an instant, saw
that it was as he had supposed; there, under the lilac bushes, were
lying those gathered lilies.

So he went back to the house. The two grandsons were to return home that
afternoon; the two sons were going to remain for a few days, that the
wishes of the deceased might have prompt attention, as regarded the
setting of the place in order. They were to sleep at the inn in the
hamlet, by their own desire, that, as they said, they might not give
trouble.

When Valentine entered the great parlour, his cousin was talking to
Peter's mother, and in the presence of his father and uncle he was
inviting her to let the boy come and stay awhile with his children
shortly.

Mrs. Peter Melcombe hesitated, and observed that her dear child had
never been away from her in his life, and was very shy.

"No wonder," quoth John Mortimer; "but I have several jolly little boys
and girls at home; they would soon cure him of that."

Mrs. Peter Melcombe seemed pleased. She had taken a great fancy to the
good-looking young widower; she remarked that Peter had never been used
to playing with other children--she was half-afraid he would get hurt;
but as Mr. Mortimer was so kind she would risk it.

"Poor little beggar!" said John Mortimer to his father, as they all
walked to the inn together; "those two women will mope that boy into his
grave if they don't look out."

"No, John," exclaimed his uncle, "I hope you really don't think so."

John, in spite of his youth, had some experience. He had already filled
his house with little Mortimers. There were seven of them--some of the
largest pattern, and with the finest appetites possible. So his opinion
carried weight, and was at the same time worth nothing, for as his
children had never but once had anything the matter with them, his
general view of childhood was that if it had plenty to eat, a large
garden to play in, and leave to go out in all weathers, it was sure to
prosper, as in fact the little Mortimers did. They brought themselves up
(with a certain amount of interference from their governess) in a high
state of health and good-humour, and with no quarrelling to speak of,
while the amount of sleep they got out of their little beds, the rapid
skill with which they wore down their shoes, and the quantity of rice
milk and roast meat they could consume, were a wonder to the matrons
round.

"I see nothing special the matter with him," continued John Mortimer;
"but one cannot