“I have not been well. London never suits me,” said Anne carelessly. “But come, now I am about again, let me see what is to be done to-day. In the first place, I must have a long talk with Elizabeth. Is she risen yet, Eulalie?” Eulalie did not know; but Mary added, that she feared this was one of Elizabeth's “hard days,” when she could not talk much to any one till evening. Anne continued, after a pause--“I want to drive over to Kingcombe about some business. I have had so much on my hands since poor Mr. Wilson's death.” “Anne's steward,” whispered the Beauty importantly to her sister-in-law. “You know that half Kingcombe belongs to Anne Valery?” And Agatha noticed, with some amusement, what an extreme deference was infused into the usually nonchalant, contemptuous manner of the youngest Miss Harper. “So poor Wilson is dead! And who have you to manage all your property?” asked Mr. Harper suddenly. “No one at present I am very particular in my choice. As I am only a woman, my steward has necessarily considerable influence. I would wish him always to be what Mr. Wilson was: if possible a friend, but undoubtedly a gentleman.” As Miss Valery spoke, Nathanael listened in deep thought; then, meeting her eyes, he coloured slightly, but quickly recovering himself, said, in a low tone, “Some time to-day, Anne, I would like to have a little talk with you.” She assented with an inquiring look. But she seemed to understand Nathanael well enough to content herself with that look, asking no further questions. “And, for the third important business which should be done to-day, and perhaps the sooner the better, I must certainly take Agatha up Holm Hill, and show her the view of the Channel.” Agatha drew back from the window. “Ah, not the sea!--I cannot bear the sea.” Anne Valery watched her with peculiar earnestness. “Were you ever on the sea, my dear?” “Once, long ago.” “Nay, I must teach you to admire our magnificent coast. On with your bonnet, and come along that great hill-terrace--do you see it?--with Nathanael and me.” “But you will be tired,” Mrs. Harper said, reluctant still, yet loth to resist Anne Valery. “Tired? no! The salt breeze gives me strength--health. I hardly live when I am not in sight of the Channel. Make haste, and let us go, Agatha.” She seemed so eager, that no further objection was possible. So they soon started--they three only, for Mary had occupation in the house, and the Beauty was mightily averse to exercise and sea-air.