She left the breakfast parlor, and went up stairs to superintend in person the preparation for the comfort of the expected guest. CHAPTER XII. THE SIREN AND THE DESPOT. That May night was clear and cool. The sky was brilliant with stars, sparkling and flashing from the pure, dark blue empyrean. In the house it was chilly, so Cora had caused fires to be built in all the grates. The drawing room at Rockhold presented a very attractive appearance, with its three chandeliers of lighted wax candles, its cheerful fire of sea coal, its warm crimson and gold coloring of carpets and curtains, and its luxurious easy chairs, sofas and ottomans, its choice pictures, books, bronzes and so forth. In the small dining room the table was set for dinner, in the best spare room all was prepared for its expected occupant. Cora, in her widow's cap and dress, sat in an arm chair before the drawing room fire, awaiting the arrival. Half past eight had been the hour named by her grandfather for their coming. But a few minutes after the clock had struck, the sound of carriage wheels was heard on the avenue approaching the house. Old Jason opened the hall door just as the vehicle drew up and stopped. Mr. Rockharrt alighted and then gave his hand to his companion, who tripped lightly to the pavement, and let him lead her up stairs and into the house. Cora stood at the door of the drawing room. Mr. Rockharrt led his visitor up to his granddaughter, and said: "Mrs. Stillwater is very much fatigued, Cora. Take her at once to her room and make her comfortable; and have dinner on the table by the time she is ready to come down." He uttered these words in a peremptory manner, without waiting for the usual greeting that should have passed between the hostess and the visitor. Cora touched a bell. "Oh! let me embrace my sweet Cora first of all! Ah! my sweet child! You and I both widowed since the last time we met!" cooed Rose, in her most dulcet tones, as she drew Cora to her bosom and kissed her before the latter could draw back. "How do you do?" was the formal greeting that fell from the lady's lips. "As you see, dearest--'Not happy, but resigned,'" plaintively replied the widow. "You quote from a king's minion, I think," said Cora, coldly. Rose took no notice of the criticism, but tenderly inquired. "And you, dearest one? How is it with you?" "I am very well, thank you," replied the lady. "After such a terrible trial! But you always possessed a heroic spirit." "We will not speak of that, Mrs. Stillwater, if you please," was the grave reply. Mr. Rockharrt looked around, as well as he could while old Jason was drawing off his spring overcoat, and said: "Take Mrs. Stillwater to her room, Cora. Don't keep her standing here." "I have rung for a servant, who will attend to Mrs. Stillwater's needs," replied the lady, quietly. The Iron King turned and stared at his granddaughter angrily, but said nothing. The housemaid came up at this moment.