daughter with an anxious air, for over the young face a somber change had passed which filled her with disquiet. 

 "You are out of spirits, love," she said at last, breaking the long silence, as Lillian gave an unconscious sigh and leaned wearily into the depths of her chair. 

 "Yes, Mamma, a little." 

 "What is it? Are you ill?" 

 "No, Mamma; I think London gaiety is rather too much for me. I'm too young for it, as you often say, and I've found it out." 

 "Then it is only weariness that makes you so pale and grave, and so bent on coming back here?" 

 Lillian was the soul of truth, and with a moment's hesitation answered slowly, "Not that alone, Mamma. I'm worried about other things. Don't ask me what, please." 

 "But I must ask. Tell me, child, what things? Have you seen any one? Had letters, or been annoyed in any way about—anything?" 

 My lady spoke with sudden energy and rose on her arm, eyeing the girl with unmistakable suspicion and excitement. 

 "No, Mamma, it's only a foolish trouble of my own," answered Lillian, with a glance of surprise and a shamefaced look as the words reluctantly left her lips. 

 "Ah, a love trouble, nothing more? Thank God for that!" And my lady sank back as if a load was off her mind. "Tell me all, my darling; there is no confidante like a mother." 

 "You are very kind, and perhaps you can cure my folly if I tell it, and yet I am ashamed," murmured the girl. Then yielding to an irresistible impulse to ask help and sympathy, she added, in an almost inaudible tone, "I came away to escape from Paul." 

 "Because he loves you, Lillian?" asked my lady, with a frown and a half smile. 

 "Because he does not love me, Mamma." And the poor girl hid her burning cheeks in her hands, as if overwhelmed with maidenly shame at the implied confession of her own affection. 

 "My child, how is this? I cannot but be glad that he does not love you; yet it fills me with grief to see that this pains you. He is not a mate for you, Lillian. Remember this, and forget the transient regard that has sprung up from that early intimacy of yours." 

 "He is wellborn, and now my 

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