“Well, she is teaching at Forman’s to-day,” said Mrs. Heritage, “but she finishes about half-past three, and I persuaded her to come home by Roxton Road and take a walk in the park. She is rather pale after nursing me and being indoors so much, and I thought it would do her good. She is so fond of the Rose-walk that she is sure to stop some time, so I do not think you will see her to-day, unless”—smiling—“you come again on purpose. You must make your own opportunity, but whenever it may be, I shall rejoice so that you bring me good news.” In response to this kindly speech Magnus Duncan just bent over the invalid and gave her a hearty kiss, then bade her good-bye, and was leaving the room when he turned back to say: “I had nearly forgotten my message. My mother asked when she could come and see you, and I told her any time now, as you were doing so nicely; so she sent her love, and I was to say she would come to-morrow afternoon for a little while. Mr. Mellis also waylaid me as I was coming here to-day with a similar inquiry, so I promised to prepare you for a visit from him too. Dear old man! he has been so anxious about you. He would not come to-morrow as my mother is coming, but the day after.” And with a nod and bright smile Magnus went on his way. Odd, wasn’t it, that as soon as he stepped into the road the young doctor’s feet should turn in the direction of the High Park? The sly fellow had been calculating the time at which Marielle could arrive there, and had come to the determination to seek her and learn his fate from her own lips without further delay. He was in such a hurry to reach the Rose-walk, and so absorbed in his own thoughts, that he narrowly escaped being run over at a street-crossing, but he never checked his pace until he actually reached the spot where he expected to find his love. At first he failed to see her, and a blank feeling of disappointment crept over him. The next moment he descried her in the midst of a group of merry children. One darling tot had fallen and grazed her knee, and Marielle was sitting with the little one in her lap, kissing away the tears, and tenderly wiping the place with her handkerchief. Magnus stood and watched her there with adoring eyes until, smiles having been restored to the baby face of the child, she put her down from her lap to run to her companions, and rose herself to go home. Turning, she met the rapt gaze of Magnus Duncan—whom she had not hitherto perceived—which made her heart beat fast and the blood leap to her face. With an immense effort at self-control she held out her hand, with the remark: “Dr. Duncan! I did not expect to meet you here.” “No? I have been to see your mother.” “She is not worse, is she?” cried Marielle hastily. “Oh, no!” answered Magnus, smiling reassuringly. “In fact, she is making a splendid recovery, thanks to your good nursing.”