"Lady Lucy, allow me to introduce you to our friend, Mrs. Bruce, formerly Miss Hamilton, of whom you have heard me so often speak." The young lady, with a very sweet smile and blush, extended her hand to the married pair. Seated at the table, the conversation became general. Lord N---- was polite, kind, friendly to Madeline; but it was plain that the gentle Lady Lucy engrossed all the more tender attentions. "How long since you were married, Mrs. Bruce?" asked Lord N----. "About five weeks, my lord; we left Woodcliff immediately, and are on our way to Scotland." "You will pay us a visit, dear Madeline," said the Lady Alice, "ere you go further; I shall hear no denials." Madeline looked towards her husband. "Can we spare the time, Mr. Bruce?" "I think so; we are not to be hurried in our movements." After dinner, Lord N---- uncovered the harp; and leading Madeline forward, said, "I have heard no such strains as you produced ever since you left us, Mrs. Bruce; you will favor us this evening." "Most gladly, my lord; have you any choice?" "None at all; all your music is charming." Lady Lucy sat near the harp, for she was enraptured with the performer, and no less with the sweet strains produced by Madeline's dainty fingers, as they wandered so gracefully among the harp-strings. "I wish that I could play as you do, Mrs. Bruce; Lord N---- is so passionately fond of music; I am trying to learn, and hope that I shall succeed." "Do you understand the piano, Lady Lucy?" "I think that I do." "Then there will only be the difficulty of learning how to manage the instrument, which will require diligent practice: will you not play a piece?" With unaffected ease, she took her seat, and played with much taste a simple little air, and turning around, artlessly, to Madeline, said, "Do you think it worth while for me to learn?" "Indeed I do," was the quick reply; "you have taste, correctness of touch, and will soon acquire skill." "We will come to the harp to-morrow morning alone," said the young lady, "and see what we can do; perhaps you will point out my errors." "Certainly, my dear lady; I shall be but too happy to render you any aid." Lord N---- was pleased with the social chat, and when he had the opportunity, said to Madeline, "Is she not charming? so artless! and yet so intelligent and good!" "She seems to be a lovely person, Lord N----; may I congratulate you in the possession of such a heart?" "You may, Mrs. Bruce; she will soon be mine." Next morning, the young ladies met in the drawing room, and Madeline took great pleasure in directing the hour's practice; and as long as she stayed at Parkhurst, the Lady Lucy availed herself of the generous aid of the youthful visitor; mutually pleased with each other, these were happy hours. A visit to Elmore Hall completed their stay in England. Leaving her pleasant friends, Madeline enjoyed the fine country through which they passed on their way to Scotland.