Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton had welcomed but very few resident visitors to Oakwood during the early years of their children, but now it was with pleasure they exercised the hospitality so naturally their own, and received in their own domains the visits of their most intimate friends of London; but these visits afford us no matter of entertainment, nor enter much into the purpose of this history.

A large party was never collected within the walls of Oakwood; the intimate friends of Mr.Hamilton were but few, for it was only those who thought on the essentials of life as himself with whom he mingled in the familiar position of host.

The Marquis of Malvern's family alone remained to spend Christmas with them, and added much to the enjoyment of that domestic circle.

Their feelings and pursuits were in common, for the Marchioness of Malvern was a mother after Mrs.Hamilton's own stamp, and her children had benefited by similar principles; the same confidence existed between them.

The Marchioness had contrived to win both the reverence and affection of her large family, though circumstances had prevented her devoting as much of her own time and care on their education as had Mrs.Hamilton.Her eldest daughter was married; her second, some few years older than Caroline, was then staying with her, and only one of the three who accompanied her to Oakwood was as yet introduced.