Nay, surely excuses are not necessary, and Mrs. Vaughan is one that we should, and indeed must, trust unreservedly; but I cannot but wish (for what can lonely women do when great interests are at stake) that there were stronger judgments and clearer heads than ours to work for, and to watch over us.'

At this moment, and before Lady Thornleigh could reply, their small attendant, clad in his picturesque peasant costume, entered the room, and presented his mistress with a sealed letter. Such missives were rare at Kelhouet, and the lady of the house held the despatch a few moments in her hand before she satisfied her curiosity by opening it.

The note was written from A- and contained the following words:

DEAR LADY THORNLEIGH,

'I have been eight years in the

Eastern Hemisphere, and, like a wise man,

have at last travelled back again towards the Western Star. Ask your sister if I may venture nearer still. I shall await your answer here.

• Yours truly,

'ARTHUR BRANDRETH.'

Lady Thornleigh looked at her sister as she read this short but comprehensive epistle.

'What shall I say to him, Alice? What does he mean by his allusion to the Western Star?'

'Oh, nothing,' said Alice, with a vivid blush; I mean, very little. Only the words of a foolish song.

Then perhaps I may say you remember those words,' said Lady Thornleigh, a little maliciously. • Will that be enough to bring

him, think you?'

I cannot say, Gertrude; you speak in riddles.'

now.

Do I? then forgive me, for I see it all
A lover nearly lost, but found again

Ah! my dear sister, let there be no more mistakes. You have given up too much for me already, and it is for me to care for your well-doing now. Brandreth's is a heart of gold, and ever gave good counsel to his head. With the help of both we shall tide over all our difficulties, and you, dearest, will be happy at last. Shall I say

that he may come? Tell me I may write at once.'

Lady Thornleigh drew her writing materials towards her, and, hearing no dissenting voice, indited her answer to Arthur Brandreth. Need we say that her summons found him ready, aye, more than ready to obey it?

Arthur came to Kelhouet, and found the lady of his love unchanged. At once they understood each other, for to persuade it is but necessary to be truthful; and in the life and heart of one at least of the lovers, there was neither act or thought that could not with advantage be laid bare. The visit,

opportune as it was unexpected, proved of considerable benefit to Lady Thornleigh, rousing her for a while to a more healthy and hopeful state of feeling. There was during its continuance little of the pastime that is called Love-making,' but the now betrothed pair were very happy in their reunion, and the Star of Hope in the horizon of their lives grew brighter from that hour.

246

CHAPTER XI.

'Tender-hearted, touch a nettle,

And it stings you for your pains;

Grasp it like a man of mettle,

And it soft as silk remains.'-AARON HILL.

"There is some soul of good in things evil,

Would men observedly distil it out.'-SHAKESPEARE.

In this chapter we return to Helen, and to her London life. This announcement we make advisedly and with a purpose; feeling that there may be among our readers some so morbidly watchful over the proprieties of their lives, that they would object to accompany us into the society of those among whom, as Helen believed, her duty called her.

To those careful ones we will address two questions, viz.: Can a disease be cured unless its causes and its symptoms be ascertained?