j chatting with pleasant ease on all
I sorts of homely topics, in nowise
1 surprised at his companion's faltering,
j ineehereiit replies, which lie attributed
:to the embarrassment from which lie
had jnsi delivered her. The dulcet
' clashing of the bolls grew fainter, and
then rose on a sudden gust of wind
just as they reached the door of the
strangely Unlit while bouse, before
Hie square windows of which rose a
small colonnade of white pillars Alina
opened the door, and a ruddy glow
1 rushed out upon her. while within a
cheerful little home-iseetle presented
itself. A small table, covered with a
i lean white cloth, touched with rose
, by the firelight, and spread with tea
things, was drawn np before the
glowing hearth, ami a warm aroma
of tea and (oast greeted the tired,
hungry girl. He fore the lire sat a
strong, middle aged man in an tin
Hvery. consisting parity of a
sleeved waistcoat, busily engaged in
i making toast: while a neatly dressed
woman moved about the warm parlor,
.adding a few touches to the table.
".Inst in time. Alma." call, and out the
! man. without turning ids head.
"And a pretty time, too,” added the
woman, who was Alma's step motbei
"Why hadn’t you 'a come along with
Charlie Judkins this hour agoiie? Cad
■ding about till ii’s dark night (Hi.
Mr. Cyril. 1 beg your pardon, sir!"
and she dropped a courtesy, while her
: husband mined, and rose.
"May I come in?" asked Cyril, pans
, ing. hat in hand, and smiling Ids
genial smile. "Your tea is very tempt
ing. Mrs. Lee."
"('onn* in and welcome. Master
Cyril." said the coachman, as Cyril,
with the air of an accustomed gm-s;.
