having to receive and be civil to an unwelcome visitor, and an impatience almost beyond bearing of this strait into which her father had plunged her, filled her mind. Something more, she dimly felt, lay behind--something more important, more serious; but in the meantime she did not feel that her occupation was gone, or her kingdom taken from her. A disagreeable person to entertain--a most unwelcome, uncongenial guest. For the moment she could not realise anything more. But her mind was in the most painful ferment, her heart beating. How was she to behave to this new, strange visitor? What was she to say to her? She must sit down at table with her, she supposed. She was Captain Despard’s--guest. What more? But Lottie knew very well she was something more. Mary came in, bringing tea, which she placed at the head of the table, where Lottie usually sat. Mary’s eyes were dancing in her head with curiosity and excitement. “What is it, miss? oh, what is it, miss? What’s happened?” said Mary. But Lottie made her no reply. She did not herself know what had happened. She waited for the return of “the woman” with a troubled mind. Everything was ready, and Lottie stood by ready to take her seat the moment they should come back. She heard them come downstairs, laughing and talking. The woman’s voice filled all the house. It flowed on in a constant stream, loud enough to be heard in the kitchen, where Mary was listening with all her ears. “Very nice on the whole,” the new-comer was saying; “but of course I shall make a few changes. I’ve always heard that a room should be like its mistress. There’s not half enough pretty things to please me. I do love a pretty room, and plenty of antimacassars and pink ribbons. Oh, I shan’t tell you what I am going to do to it!--not a word. Gentlemen must be taught their place. I am going to make it look very nice, and that should be enough for you. Oh yes, I am quite ready for supper. I haven’t touched a bit of anything since five o’clock, when we had tea. Poor Harry! I can see how you have been put upon.” This was said at the foot of the stairs, where not only Lottie but Mary could hear every word. Mary understood it all, but Lottie did not understand it. She could not receive Polly’s programme into her mind, nor think what was meant by it. While she still stood waiting, the two came in--the bride, with her tower of hair upon her head, and all her cheap ribbons and bangles. She came in, drawing herself away from the Captain’s encircling arm. “Behave!” said Polly, shaking a finger at him; and she swept in and round the table, almost pushing against the surprised spectator who stood looking on, and deposited herself in Lottie’s chair. “It’s best to begin as you mean to end,” said Polly; “I’m not tired to speak of, and I’ll take my own place at once. You can sit here, Miss Lottie, between him and me.”