Victor was there-some said, as their representatives, for they took precedence of Ashley.

Constance was really ill. Poor girl! how she wept how dreadful, how stunning seemed the events of the last fortnight. Her father suddenly summoned away in so dreadful a manner; apparently, to the last implacable, unforgiving to those she best loved-but her mother should never know this-she came, believing that her husband had sent for her; and Constance determined not to deprive her of the consolation this belief gave her.

CHAPTER XXV.

"O! my gentle brother,

Have we thus met?"-Cymbeline.

THE following day came, ushered in with all the glory of the infant spring. The clear atmosphere, the sparkling stream, the bright sunshine, and joyous songs of the birds, seemed painfully out of keeping with the sorrow which lay so heavily at her young heart— for Constance had once loved her father dearly.

She and her mother were taking their breakfast in their room, which Dawson's kind and prompt attention had made so comfortable, when the sound of wheels disturbed them.

"Mr. Sloper, of course, has everything provided for him?" asked Mrs. Templeton.

"Certainly, madam, and I bring a message from him, appointing twelve, as arranged between him and the Doctor yesterday, for an interview."

VOL. III.

X

"We will be punctual," said her mistress; "but who was that who arrived so early ?"

“A stranger, who has asked for Mr. Sloper."

Again wheels-but this time, that was not the only sound; though happily Mrs. Templeton and her daughter, who had just gone to the sitting-room of the latter, heard nothing. of it.

Perhaps the first in the village who knew of the Colonel's death, was Mrs. Captain Mordaunt; but it would be offensive to relate all that passed between her and her man confidant, when the consequence of this was discussed. Hardly could the female hatefulness refrain from, at once, proclaiming her rights; but her less interested associate persuaded her, that this would be but a needless provoking of popular indignation, of which, though she professed to despise it, she was not wholly regardless.

But the morning after the funeral, her impatience would brook no further delay. Without the womanly decency of mourning, even in garb, for him by whose will she inherited so rich a possession-she drove in full-blown pride and arrogance to the grand entrance. Here she was met by the butler, and one who

was an entire stranger to her-the gentleman who had just preceded her.

Without announcing herself, she attempted to pass at once into the house; but the former civilly, though effectually, barred the passage. "Make way!" she said, imperiously.

"I must first know for whom," was his quiet remark; "as none but the friends of the family can be admitted."

"Fellow!" she said, "make way for the lawful possessor of this place."

"That I shall readily do," replied he ; "but till then, I have strict orders to prevent all intrusion."

"You are pleased to be insolent, but you will change your tune and tone too, when you know what I bring with me. Stranger as you think me, I will soon make all here feel who is mistress; once more, make way, and let me pass into my own house!"

At these words, the butler, who had effectually aided the stranger's evident intention, to keep Mrs. Captain from obtaining an entrance, started, and changed colour, for her words fearfully corroborated a rumour which he had heard in more than one quarter, and she, attempting to take advantage of his surprise, quickly moved towards the entrance; when

Mr. Morton, in deep mourning, and looking pale and ill, appeared from the inner hall. "What is all this unseemly altercation ?" he inquired, addressing the stranger.

Only, sir," he replied, "that this woman, who, I think, must be mad, wants to effect a violent entry, and raves about her rights."

"An insolent Jack-in-office! what do you mean?" she began.

"Silence!" said the calm, resolute voice of Mr. Morton; "what do you mean by this conduct? what do you want at this house, to which your plots and iniquity have already brought sorrow enough-Woman," he said, sternly, "go back, leave this place at once, and for ever, you and your infamous partner."

But though she quailed at first, her dauntless character did not dispose her so readily to fly the field; backed as she was by that important document, a copy of which she had with her.

"And who are you, to dictate to me?" she asked; " go away, indeed! this place is mine, and here I stay-remove me who dares. Why, long ago, it was given to me; and I have proofs, to convince all who venture to dispute it. Go away! never! it is mineand let me see who will dare to contest it with me."