He was changed for the better now; was cheerful, at times even gay, and showed much interest in them and their affairs, making them valuable presents; for he had large means and a generous nature. Some gifts--of dress-goods, jewelry and children's toys, he had brought with him, and in addition he presented Mildred and Rupert each with a town lot in the immediate neighborhood of their new home. Mr. Keith, in his sturdy pride of independence, was inclined to reject these last; but his wife said, "No, Stuart, do not; you will hurt Horace's feelings; the land is very cheap, the price of it nothing to him with his large wealth; I know it is a real pleasure to him to give it to the children." Mr. Keith yielded the point and said nothing. Mr. Dinsmore, not being a religious man, and belonging to a very proud and aristocratic family, was not one to mingle with those he denominated "the common herd," as his cousin well knew. Therefore only a few of their acquaintances--the educated and refined--were invited to meet him and accompany them on some little excursions--riding, boating, and fishing--gotten up for his entertainment. He made himself agreeable on these occasions;--an easy thing for him to do with his handsome person, polished manners and good conversational powers--but soon let it be known to his relatives that he decidedly preferred exclusively family parties. After that they had only such while he staid, which was for several weeks. [Illustration] Chapter Nineteenth. "Seldom shall she hear a tale So sad, so tender, and so true." HORACE DINSMORE showed much interest in Mildred, seemed to like to watch her, let her employment be what it might, and to have her company in long solitary walks and drives. Several times he remarked to her mother that she was growing very lovely in person and was a girl of fine mind; adding that he sincerely hoped she would not throw herself away upon some country boor. The two--Mrs. Keith and Mr. Dinsmore--were alone in the sitting-room, one pleasant afternoon early in September, when this remark was made for the third or fourth time; alone except that little Annis was playing about the floor, apparently absorbed with Toy and her doll. Mrs. Keith was sewing, her cousin who had been pacing to and fro, now standing before her. She lifted her head with a startled look. "Horace, don't forget that you and Mildred are cousins." He colored slightly, then laughingly answered to her thought rather than her words, "Don't be alarmed, Marcia; I'm not thinking of her in that way at all." His face suddenly clouded as with some gloomy recollection. "Marcia," he said, taking a chair near her side, "my visit is drawing to a close and there is something I must tell you before I go; I came with the purpose of doing so, but hitherto my heart has failed me. We seem to be alone in the house and perhaps there will be no better time than this."