But the countess was preparing a cup of fragrant tea after the fashion she liked best, and Lord Linleigh, seeing that, said: "I will tell you about it, Estelle. Lord Vivianne says he shall be passing through Anderley on his way to Leeson, and he should very much like to spend a few days with us. I can but answer in the affirmative, I suppose." "Certainly; it will be a change for you; you have been very quiet lately; we can have a picnic and a dinner-party while he is here." Lord Linleigh glanced with a shrewd smile at his daughter. It did not seem to him wonderful that his lordship should be passing through Anderley; the only pity was, that it was all in vain. But he did not see his daughter's face, it was turned from him. The love-letter had fallen from her hands, the golden light had faded from the skies, the beauty of the morning had vanished; her face grew pale, her eyes darkened. Why was he coming? Whatever might be the reason, it meant mischief to her, she was sure of it. He had promised not to come near her until the end of August, then he was to come for her answer. What was bringing him now? "I must bear it, I have to live it through," she said to herself, "no matter what it may be." In a dumb passion of despair, she heard Lady Linleigh ask when he was coming. "He will be here by the end of the week," said the earl, carelessly; then he laughed a little. "Why are you laughing?" asked Lady Estelle. "My dear Estelle, I am just thinking how eagerly you seized upon his coming as an excuse for a little gayety," he replied; "you who assured me so seriously you preferred quiet and solitude." Lady Estelle blushed. "I plead guilty, Ulric," she said. "It must be because I am very happy myself that I like to see every one else happy, too." They both wondered why Lady Doris was so silent. "It must be from sheer excess of happiness," thought the countess. Lord Linleigh asked: "Will you drive with me this morning, Doris, or would you prefer to ride or walk?" "Will you go with me?" asked Lady Estelle. "I am going to Streathaw." "No, thank you, papa. Thank you, Lady Linleigh. I am going to spend the morning in the gardens." "That means writing a long letter to Earle," said Lord Linleigh, with a smile. She did not contradict him; and Lady Estelle, when she kissed her and bade her good-morning, thought how beautiful it was to be young, happy, and in love. Doris went out. There was the shade of fragrant trees, the brilliant colors of a thousand flowers; and Doris saw and heard nothing--she was full of despair. "Why is he coming," she cried, passionately, "just as I was growing so happy, learning to forgot him and his terrible threats--why is he coming? It is like the serpent stealing into paradise. Ah, Heaven! if I could but undo that unhappy past."