ne day that he might better have let
his poor Rita have her way for once, when Rita
lies shrouded in white, with lilies at her
head and feet. Adios, Marguerite! farewell,
heart of my heart! I have made my will,--my
jewels are divided between you and Peggy. Poor
Peggy! she also will mourn me. You will dry her
tears, dearest! The lamp burns low--no more!
For the last time, beloved Marguerite,

"Your unhappy
"MARGARITA MARIA DOLORES DE
SAN REAL MONTFORT."

"Isn't that really pretty alarming?" said Margaret, looking up.
"Why--why, Uncle John! you are laughing! Don't laugh, please! Of course
Rita is extravagant, but I am afraid she must really be very unhappy.
Stay! Here is a postscript that I did not see before. Oh! Oh, uncle!
Listen!

"Alma mia, one word! It is morning, in the
world and in my heart. I go, Marguerite! My
maid is packing my trunk at this instant. My
father relents; he is an angel, the kindest,
the most considerate of parents. We sail
to-morrow for Gibraltar,--I shall be in Madrid
in less than a month. Marguerite, I embrace you
tenderly. Rejoice, Beloved, with your happy,
your devoted

"RITA."

"Thank you, my dear!" said Mr. Montfort, twirling his moustaches. "Poor
Richard! Poor old Dick! Do you know, my dear, I think Dick may have had
some experience of life."

CHAPTER II.

DOMESTIC.

Life was pleasant enough for Margaret Montfort, in those days. The hours
were still sad which she had been used to spend with Mrs. Cheriton, the
beloved Aunt Faith; but there was such peace and blessedness in the
thought of her, that Margaret would not have been without the gentle
sorrow. She loved to sit in the White Rooms, sometimes with her uncle,
but more often alone. In the morning, she generally walked for an hour
in the garden with Mr. Montfort, tending the rose-bushes that were his
special care and pride, listening to his wise and kindly talk, and
learning, she always thought, something new each day. It is wonderful
how much philosophy, poetry, even history, can be brought into the care
of roses, if the right person has charge of them. At ten o'clock he
generally went to town, and the rest of the morning was spent in
practising, sewing, and study