Mary saw her mother glance at her with surprise, but the commonplace question had set her at her ease, and she replied--"Yes, quite, thank you, Mr. Halford. It was a most delightful visit, yet I was glad to get home again." While the two young people continued to talk of what had been seen and heard at Oxford, Mrs. Armstrong would now and then make some remark, and the boys listened with interest. Yet as she did so across the mother's mind passed the memory of the dinner-party at Mr. Drummond's. Were her fears about to be realised? Had these young people met at Oxford and formed an acquaintance fraught with disappointment to Mary and pain to herself in consequence of her husband's displeasure? Still as they talked she could see the clear grey eyes of the young tutor light up with a pleasure which made Mary droop her own and blush beneath his gaze. And then another recollection flashed upon her Mary had not mentioned the fact of having met Henry Halford at Oxford. What did it all mean? In her anxiety Mrs. Armstrong looked at her watch. Henry Halford saw the action, and said, quickly--"I am keeping you standing while we talk, Mrs. Armstrong." And then, to her astonishment, instead of taking his leave, he turned to walk with them towards their home. Placing himself by Mrs. Armstrong's side, he continued to speak of various subjects so agreeably that she forgot her fears and began to account in her own mind for any attraction her daughter might feel to his society. They had nearly reached home, when Mrs. Armstrong, hearing the sound of horse's feet, looked up quickly, and saw her husband alight from his horse and advance to meet them. He seemed to recognise the stranger in a moment, and as Henry lifted his hat, Mr. Armstrong held out his hand. "I am glad to see you, Mr. Halford," he said, as the gentlemen shook hands cordially. "I have often thought of our pleasant discussions at Mr. Drummond's that evening. I hope your father is well. Are you staying in our neighbourhood?" he added, scarcely allowing Henry time to reply respecting his father's health. "I am a neighbour of yours, Mr. Armstrong," he replied, firmly. Henry Halford had decided upon what course to pursue with this gentleman, and was therefore prepared to act candidly and openly. "A neighbour, Mr. Halford? then why have you not paid us a visit before this? I never give dinner-parties, but if at any time you and your father will join our family dinner-table at six o'clock, we shall be most happy to see you. Will you come in now?" he added, as Mrs. Armstrong moved to open the gate.