When Mrs. Burke's will was read, it was found that she had left nearly the whole of her property to her sister. Her great-nephew and nieces came in for a very handsome legacy each, and to Rowena was left the sum of ten thousand pounds. But what Rowena valued most of all was a little note, "To be delivered after my death," which was as follows: "MY DEAREST ROWENA,—" "I have just torn up a will in which I made you my sole legatee, but I see now that my relatives have a claim upon me, especially as they have so little of their own. I never can express my gratitude to you sufficiently. I hope your good husband will not prevent you succouring the worldlings as you go through life. I am convinced this is your mission. I am not good at it, but I commend to your care Di Dunstan, who is wondering if there is another better world than that in which she has been living; she has taken a flat in town. God bless you, dear. My doctor has told me that a long life will not be mine. Happy me to have Eternity in view!" "Yours always lovingly," "C. BURKE." CHAPTER II SOME GUESTS "Be useful where thou livest, that they may Both want and wish thy pleasing presence still ... Find out men's wants and will And meet them there." Herbert. "HUGH, we shall have to do entertaining." General Macdonald gave a little groan. "I have patiently gone round with you to leave cards when people are out. Then you have dragged me to dinners and lunches and teas, and I hoped now that we might be left in peace. Of course, I expected the neighbours to call, and they have done their duty. Are we to go round and round the treadmill of society as they do in town?" Rowena laughed lightly. She was a three-months-old bride now, and was quite able to manage this husband of hers. "My dear, we have our duties as well as they. And we are told to be 'given to hospitality.' We cannot accept invitations and never give any in return. Shall we have a simple garden-party? An 'At Home' in about a fortnight from now? The strawberries and peaches will be ripe, and we can have tea under the cedars on the lawn." "I believe you love crowds. Personally, I loathe them." General Macdonald's tone was sharp. He added more gently: "We have not been very long married, Rowena, and we had no proper honeymoon. You must forgive me if I still wish to keep you to myself."