I looked on the Queen of the Hill, whose keen eye shot over me.

I thought there was a momentary expression of pain or displeasure on her countenance; but it passed.

Still there seemed to me something of irony, as well as of triumph or congratulation, in the half-smile with which she quitted her seat, and in the tone with which she whispered, as she glided by me to the open sward, "So, then, it is settled." She walked lightly and quickly down the lawn.

When she was out of sight I breathed more freely.

I took the seat which she had left, by Mrs.
Ashleigh's side, and said, "A little while ago I spoke of myself as a man without kindred, without home, and now I come to you and ask for both." Mrs.Ashleigh looked at me benignly, then raised her daughter's face from her lap, and whispered, "Lilian;" and Lilian's lips moved, but I did not hear her answer.