A new governess reigned at Brampton in Amy's stead; the third since she had left. Surely there was some mismanagement somewhere? or Mrs. Linchmore had grown more exacting and overbearing; more dissatisfied with the means taken to please her? Little Sarah was away in London at school; while old Hannah reigned supreme as head nurse to the youthful heir. Amy was happy, notwithstanding the remembrance that like a dim, indistinct shadow flitted across her of that first sad love. Was _he_ happy? and what had become of him? these were questions sometimes in her thoughts, although her heart was with her husband, who loved his fair young wife with all his heart, even more dearly than when first they married; while as yet nothing had occurred to check that love. Robert Vavasour had been absent from his home a fortnight. It was the evening of his return to Somerton. Amy drew a low chair close to her husband by the fireside as she said, "How glad I am to have you back again; I have missed you so much, and felt quite lonely, even with little Bertie." Robert looked down fondly in his wife's face. It was pleasant to know that his coming had given pleasure to her he loved. "And how was dear Sarah," she asked. "Did she look quite well and happy? Quite contented with school? Pray give me all the news you have, to tell." "And that will be little enough," he replied. "As to Sarah she looked the picture of health, and gave me no end of messages for you; but I am afraid I have forgotten them all; my memory fails me completely now I have you at my side." "Well I hope you have not forgotten the present for Bertie: his little tongue has talked of nothing else all day." "I know I did not forget my little wife," he said, as taking a ring from his pocket he placed it on her finger. "You are always good and kind," she replied, "always thinking of me." "Always, Amy." "And now do tell me all you have been doing this long time, and where you went, and whom you saw. Surely you must have some adventures worth relating?" "No, none. I went simply nowhere; London is chill enough in November, and even had it been otherwise the charm was wanting to induce me to go out. I saw few people I knew; but I met some old friends of yours, yesterday." "Yes?" said Amy, inquiringly. "Can you not guess who?" Amy's heart whispered the Linchmore's; but refused to say so. "Have you no curiosity?" he asked, "I thought you were all anxiety a moment ago." "No, I shall not guess," replied his wife. "You must tell me." "Must!" he laughed. "And suppose I refuse. What then?" "You will not," she said. "You are a tyrant, Amy. It was the Linchmores. I met him accidentally at the door of the club." "Ah! you went to the Club. You never told me that," was all she said. "Neither have you told me how many times you have been into the nursery to see Bertie since I have been away." "The cases are totally dissimilar," laughed Amy. "But what did Mr. Linchmore say? Was he glad to see you?"