_Lyra Innocentium_. Scarcely eight months had passed since the last recorded conversation, when Marian, in a dress of deep mourning, was slowly pacing the garden paths, her eyes fixed on the ground, and an expression of thoughtful sadness on her face. Heavy indeed had been the strokes that had fallen upon her. Before the last summer had closed, the long sufferings of her father had been terminated by one of the violent attacks, which had often been expected to be fatal. Nor was this all that she had to mourn. With winter had come severe colds and coughs; Lady Arundel was seized with an inflammation of the chest, her constitution had been much enfeebled by watching, anxiety, and grief, and in a very few days her children were orphans. It was the day following the funeral. Mrs. Wortley was staying in the house, as were also the two guardians of the young Sir Gerald Arundel and his sister. These were Mr. Lyddell, a relation of Lady Arundel; and our former acquaintance, Edmund Arundel, in whom, young as he was, his uncle had placed full confidence. He had in fact been entirely brought up by Sir Edmund, and knew no other home than Fern Torr, having been sent thither an orphan in earliest childhood. His uncle and aunt had supplied the place of parents, and had been well rewarded for all they had done for him, by his consistent well doing and completely filial affection for them. Marian was startled from her musings by his voice close at hand, saying, "All alone, Marian?" "Gerald is with Jemmy Wortley, somewhere," she replied, "and I begged Mrs. Wortley and Agnes to go down the village and leave me alone. I have been very busy all the morning, and my head feels quite confused with thoughts!" "I am glad to have found you," said Edmund. "I have seen so little of you since I have been here." "Yes, you have been always with Mr. Lyddell. When does he go?" "To-morrow morning." "And you stay longer, I hope?" "Only till Monday; I wish it was possible to stay longer, but it is something to have a Sunday to spend here." "And then I am afraid it will be a long time before we see you again." "I hope not; if you are in London, it will be always easier to meet." "In London! Ah! that reminds me I wanted to ask you what I am to say to Selina Marchmont. I have a very kind letter from her, asking us to come to stay with her directly, and hoping that it may be arranged for us to live with them." "Ah! I have a letter from her husband to the same effect," said Edmund. "It really is very kind and friendly in them." "Exceedingly," said Marian. "Will you read her letter, and tell me how I am to answer her!" "As to the visit, that depends upon what you like to do yourself. I should think that you would prefer staying with the Wortleys, since they are so kind as to receive you." "You don't mean," exclaimed Marian, eagerly, "staying with them for ever!" Edmund shook his head. "No, Marian, I fear that cannot be."