Softly and calmly glided the smooth waters at the base of the garden.

The green verandah running round the cottage was filled with beautiful exotics, which Ellen's hand had transported from the conservatory at Oakwood.

It was a sweet and soothing sight to see how judiciously, how unassumingly Ellen devoted herself to the desolate mother, without once permitting that work of love to interfere with her still nearer, still dearer ties at home.

She knew how Herbert would have loved and devoted himself to the mother of his Mary, and in this, as in all things, she followed in his steps.

Untiringly would she listen to and speak on Mrs.Greville's favourite theme, her Mary; and now she sat beside her, enlivening by gentle converse the hours that must intervene ere Alfred came.