lennox\"s appearance took this shape, although secretly she feltplimented by his thinking it worth while to call.

\"it is most unfortunate! we are dining early to-day, and hāving nothingbut cold meat, in order that the servants may get on with their ironing;and yet, of course, we must ask him to dinner--edith\"s brother-in-lawand all. and your papa is in such low spirits this morning aboutsomething--i don\"t know what. i went into the study just now, and hehad his face on the table, covering it with his hands. i told him i wassure helstone air did not agree with him any more than with me, and hesuddenly lifted up his head, and begged me not to speak a word moreagainst helstone, he could not bear it; if there was one place he lovedon earth it was helstone. but i am sure, for all that, it is the damp andrelaxing air.\"

margaret felt as if a thin cold cloud had e between her and the sun.

she had listened patiently, in hopes that it might be some relief to hermother to unburden herself; but now it was time to draw her back tomr. lennox.

\"papa likes mr. lennox; they got on together famously at the weddingbreakfast. i dare say his ing will do papa good. and never mind thedinner, dear mamma. cold meat will do capitally for a lunch, which isthe light in which mr. lennox will most likely look upon a two o\"clockdinner.\"

\"but what are we to do with him till then? it is only half-past ten now.\"

\"i\"ll ask him to go out sketching with me. i know he draws, and that willtake him out of your way, mamma. only do e in now; he will thinkit so strange if you don\"t.\"

mrs. hale took off her black silk apron, and smoothed her face. shelooked a very pretty lady-like woman, as she greeted mr. lennox withthe cordiality due to one who was almost a relation. he evidentlyexpected to be asked to spend the day, and accepted the invitation witha glad readiness that made mrs. hale wish she could add something tothe cold beef. he was pleased with everything; delighted withmargaret\"s idea of going out sketching together; would not hāve mr.

hale disturbed for the world, with the prospect of so soon meeting himat dinner. margaret brought out her drawing materials for him to choosefrom; and after the paper and brushes had been duly selected, the twoset out in the merriest spirits in the world.

\"now, please, just stop here for a minute or two, said margaret. \"theseare the cottages that haunted me so during the rainy fortnight,reproaching me for not hāving sketched them.\"

\"before they tumbled down and were no more seen. truly, if they are tobe sketched--and they are very picturesque--we had better not put it offtill next year. but where shall we sit?\"

\"oh! you might hāve e straight from chambers in the temple,\"

instead of hāving been two months in the highlands! look at thisbeautiful trunk of a tree, which the wood-cutters hāve left just in theright place for the light. i will put my plaid over it, and it will be aregular forest throne.\"

\"with your feet in that puddle for a regal footstool! stay, i will move,and then you can e nearer this way. who lives in these cottages?\"

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