“‘You will doubtless be surprised by the contents of this letter,’ he writes, ‘and as I have much on my mind, I will simply state bare facts, leaving details until my return. You already know of my having taken my cousin’s place as temporary amanuensis to Lord Norton. I was enabled to complete the manuscript for him the week before his death, which occurred on the ninth. But, during my visits to him, I met a niece of his, who, I may say, is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. By his lordship’s will she becomes the heiress to all his possessions, which consist of his fine estate called Englewood, here in Chester, besides a large amount of personal property. To make a long story short, however, I am going to make this lady my wife, and as I am too old to waste any time upon forms or so-called etiquette, we intend to be married immediately—that is, within the month—about the twenty-first, I think, after which we shall repair to Heathdale, where we shall quietly remain for the present. The wedding will be strictly private on account of his lordship’s recent death and in compliance with the request of his niece. I will, however, notify you further of my plans before the twenty-first.’” The epistle closed abruptly and rather formally, and Lady Linton’s face was crimson as she concluded the reading of it. “It is the most unheard of thing in the world!” she said, excitedly. “A private wedding, indeed—not even his own sister invited, and it is all so sudden that it fairly takes my breath away.” “They might at least have asked us to go to Englewood to witness the ceremony,” Lillian observed, thoughtfully. “The letter doesn’t sound a bit like Uncle Will.” “I suppose he is so taken up with his bride-elect that he has not much time or thought for any one else; but he might have told us something about her; he did not even mention her name; I suppose, however, we are to infer that she is a Miss Norton. I wonder whether she is young or old?” Lady Linton said, in an injured tone, and looking both perplexed and annoyed. “He says she is beautiful, mamma.” “Of course; one’s betrothed is always beautiful to the man who is to be married. They are going directly to Heathdale,” she added, musingly. “There ought to be some one there to receive them, and the house needs preparation for the occasion. I think, Lillian, that, notwithstanding I have been rather shabbily treated in this affair, I shall go down to Heathdale and give them the best welcome possible at so short a notice. I can at least brighten things up and arrange for a small dinner-party and reception in honor of the bride.” “Perhaps they would prefer not to meet anyone just yet, mamma,” Lillian suggested. “I cannot help it. Such a home-coming as that would be too dismal, and not at all in keeping with the dignity of the family. I shall take matters into my own hands and conduct the affair as I think best. We will go to Heathdale the last of the week.”