“They was sold to the people as bought the place, ma’am.” “I hope they will be kindly treated.” “I hope they will, ma’am; for they did miss you as well as me and Pina did; and they showed it in every way as dumb creeturs could.” “And where did you leave my effects, Leo?” “I brought as many trunks as I could on the stage with me, ma’am; and the rest of the boxes is coming down by wagons. Pina was very careful in packing everything, ma’am; and here is the money you gave me to keep,” said Leo, taking a sealed packet from his breast pocket, and handing it to his mistress. “Thanks, my boy; you and your sister have been very faithful, and I shall certainly retain you both in my service, and at an increase of wages.” “Oh, ma’am, neither me, nor yet Pina is mussenary. We’ll be glad to come back to you on any terms.” “And now, Leo, look here! Here is my baby boy; when the spring comes he will be big enough for you to take him on your shoulder and ride him about! Won’t you and he have a good time?” “Oh, ma’am, what a purty little creetur! But he’s _very_ little, ain’t he, ma’am?” said Leo, looking shyly at the baby, which indeed he had been furtively contemplating ever since he had been in the room. “Why, no, Leo; for his age, he is very large, _very_! Who is he like, Leo! Look and tell me!” Leo dutifully looked, and saw well enough who the boy really was like: but he answered stoutly: “He is like you, ma’am, and nobody else.” “Oh, look again, Leo! His eyes are open now. _Now_ who is he like?” “He is the image of _you_, ma’am, and not another mortial in the wide world,” repeated Leo, defiantly. “How _can_ you say that, you stupid boy? Is he not like his father?” “No, mum! not the leastest little bit in life! He is like nobody but you,” persisted the lad, doggedly. “Leo, you are a mole! You have no eyes! Now go down to your mother, and tell her to make you comfortable.” “Thank you, ma’am. I am so glad to see you so well, ma’am, with such a fine-looking baby. I am so thankful as you don’t take on about thinks like you used to do,” replied the lad. “I am so much better and stronger now, Leo. But go and give my message to your mother.” Leo bowed and left the room. “So Alick has sold Cedarwood,” said Anna. “Yes.” “What a wretch!” “_Please_, Anna—-” “I can’t comprehend your tenderness for that man, Drusilla! but, there! I will not wound it if I can help it. I am glad he has sold Cedarwood, however. It settles the question of your future residence. You must stay with us now.” As Anna spoke, General Lyon entered the room, and came with his pleasant smile and sat down beside his protégée. She turned to him, and, laying her hand in his, said: “My fate is decided for me, dear sir. I have no home but this, and no protector but you.” “My darling, I am very glad.” Yet, in saying this, the General looked from his adopted niece to his granddaughter, as if for an explanation. Seeing Drusilla hesitate, Anna answered for her.