In admitting me so familiarly to your hearth, you have given me what I have never known before since I came to man's estate,--a glimpse of the happy domestic life; the charm and relief to eye, heart, and spirit which is never known but in households cheered by the face of woman.

Thus my sentiment for you and yours is indeed that of an old friend; and in any private confidence you show me, I feel as if I were no longer a lonely man, without kindred, without home." Mrs.Ashleigh seemed much moved by these words, which my heart had forced from my lips; and, after replying to me with simple unaffected warmth of kindness, she rose, took my arm, and continued thus as we walked slowly to and fro the lawn: "You know, perhaps, that my poor husband left a sister, now a widow like myself, Lady Haughton." "I remember that Mrs.Poyntz said you had such a sister-in-law, but I never heard you mention Lady Haughton till now.

Well!" "Well, Mr.Vigors has brought me a letter from her, and it is that which has put me out.

I dare say you have not heard me speak before of Lady Haughton, for I am ashamed to say I had almost forgotten her existence.
She is many years older than my husband was; of a very different character.

Only came once to see him after our marriage.