“Then my dear, the sooner you begin to think of it the better; you cannot keep Cara on a Swiss farm all her days; she is not that type. Cara is for towns, and cities.” “Oh, well, after all she is only ten,” protested her mother. “No need to worry about _her_ future yet. Isn’t it a perfect afternoon, Cousin Maude?” It was, indeed; there was magic in the air. Across the lake, the wooded slopes dipped into emerald and silver; high up beyond woods and crags, outlined against a blue, blue sky, was the snowy range; every ridge and peak bathed in delicate rose-colour--truly these were the mountains of Fairyland: close by the friends, an urgent stream sang on its way to the lake, and all around was green luxuriance, tinkling cow-bells, and the faint perfume of fruit, and flowers. Mrs. Hesketh withdrew her gaze from the prospect, to fix them on her companion. Here was a face and figure in complete harmony with the exquisite scene; she studied Letty’s slender grace, her clouds of soft hair (darker than formerly), the perfect outlines of cheek and feature, and the long lashes sweeping the flawless skin. Truly a haunting picture! If the view was one to lure the hurried traveller,--here was a beauty to lure mankind. “Yes, Cara is only ten,” began Mrs. Hesketh suddenly. “As for you, Letty, who are young--without youth.” “What about me?” she asked with a smile. “I am getting on for _three_ times ten!” “You are, and you are wasting your life here--youth--beautiful youth--is passing, and why, oh, why don’t you value it? This I know is the cry of age and regret: I am an old woman, I am satisfied to sit still, and be a spectator; but you, who are twenty-eight, and have golden years awaiting you, oh, how _can_ you endure this existence of passionless monotony?” Amazed by such an unusual outburst, Letty replied: “I have Cara, plenty of occupation, and no cares.” “No cares!” echoed her companion, and she gave a shrill laugh. “Even at Les Plans, Care may put his head in at the door. Voyaging in smooth waters--has its risks. Another thing, it is not good for Cara to lead this wild, independent life; she ought to be at home associating with girls of her own class. Listen to me, Letty,” laying as she spoke an impressive hand on her knee, “I am a lonely woman; I am fond of you. Suppose you and your girl come over to England, and make your home with _me_?” But in spite of a loving, eloquent, and insistent invitation Letty could not be induced to abandon Les Plans. “I love you, and I am grateful, dearest Cousin Maude, my friend from the first; but here I am at home, and here I feel _safe_.” “What is there to fear now?” demanded Mrs. Hesketh. “Blagdon will never trouble you; but should he do so, I will deal with him--leave him to me.” “He would take Cara from me, and just at the critical age, when her character is forming.”