To his parents indeed, and all his family, he revealed his engagement, and Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton anxiously anticipated the return of Lord and Lady St.Eval, to introduce them to the intended bride of their only son.

Their intention was to remain at Richmond till the spring, when Arthur and his wife would pay their promised visit at Oakwood, instead of spending the Christmas with them--an arrangement Emmeline had herself suggested; because, she said, if she and her husband were away, the family party which had ever assembled at Oakwood during that festive season would be broken up, and Herbert's absence be less painfully felt.

Mrs.Hamilton noticed it to none, but her penetration discovered the cause of this change in Emmeline's intentions, and tears of delicious feeling filled her eyes, as for a moment she permitted that gentle and affectionate girl to occupy that thought which she was about to bestow on Herbert.
"We have received interesting news this morning, my dear Arthur," Mrs.
Hamilton said, as her husband entered the parlour, where she and Ellen were seated.

"Lucy Harcourt is returning to England, and has requested us to look out for a little cottage for her near Oakwood.

The severe illness, and finally the death of her cousin, Mr.Seymour, has been the cause of my not hearing from her so long.