Their journey was through a charming country, at a most lovely season of the year, when spring flowers were abundant; the hawthorn hedges in full bloom; and all nature rejoicing in the fresh green of a spring-time in England. Madeline's emotions were rather embarrassing as she drew near to Parkhurst; and when the porter at the lodge opened the gate, and she found herself really driving up the avenue, her emotion was visible. Roland smiled as he read the speaking face; and taking her hand, he said, "Madeline, you are trembling." "Yes, Roland; I am thinking of the last evening I spent here; it is nearly three years ago, and I dare say that it is all forgotten; but these scenes revive the memory most powerfully." Arriving at the manor-house, their names were sent up; and, in another minute, the Lady Alice came running in to greet her beloved friend. "Welcome, dearest Madeline! I have been so sure that you would come;" and she embraced the young bride with the warmth of old friendship. "My husband, Lady Alice;" and Roland bowed to the noble lady, with all the grace of courtly ease. "You are welcome to Parkhurst, Mr. Bruce, for Madeline's sake." "How came you here, Lady Alice! I supposed that you were married ere this." "I have been a wife, Madeline, six weeks, and am now making a visit to my mother; you will see Lord Elmore at dinner;" ringing the bell, she called a servant, directing him to show the visitors to the room which she pointed out. Madeline ran to the window to look out upon the familiar objects; the same gentle deer, the cawing of the dear old rooks, the bloom of the same sweet flowers, and the deep shade of the same old trees, just seemed as if she had left them but yesterday. "Is it not charming, Roland?" said the young wife, "and then, when you see the dear family, you will not wonder that I call this happy home another Eden." Descending to the drawing-room, the countess was there ready to receive them. "And so, Madeline, my love, you come to us as a bride," was the warm salutation, as she kissed the blushing cheek, and then turned gracefully to greet her husband. "You have obtained a prize, my dear sir; I hope that you will cherish her tenderly." Roland bowed over the fair hand, as he replied, "I believe, my lady, that I know her value." The hour for dinner arrived; the earl gave them a hearty welcome; and Lord Frederic, who was now a fine young man, received them with all due courtesy. "Where is Lord N----?" thought Madeline, but she did not ask. "My brother is out riding with Lady Lucy; we expect them every minute," said his sister; "and now, Madeline, let me introduce you to my husband, Lord Elmore;" and a pleasant-looking young man, with a quiet face of goodness, bowed in return to the smile of Madeline. In a short time, Lord N---- entered, with the Lady Lucy leaning upon his arm; he was taken by surprise, blushed slightly, but advancing to Madeline, he said,