The Press., 1894-03-15

matches were selected for her in a months time.
 The winter went by quickly; James looked into the affairs, and found then largely more prosperous than any one haC supposed. Spring came, and wOrkmeT were busy about the mansion. The GOV eted veranda ran across the front, French windows opening upon it, and vines new ly set out gave promise of luXuriance anr shade in time- By fall the proposed wing was complete, and Maria Jane and hel mother went to New York with cnrte btG1lche for furniture. A few weeks rend cred all complete. The early dreams were adhered to in most items; there were the green carpets and buff paper-hang ingS, the carved rosewood and maroon Maria Jane had the promised back-roOn where she sat her feet on violets anC snow, or looked up at walls where azure bells swung gracefully from slender vines Cord refets of marble, rich hues of Bo hemian glass, clear depths of mirror were not wanted. And many costly trif1e haC been added; picture here, an engraving there, rich volumes for the table, or ele gant articles of decoration. Maria Jane surveyed the effect with delight unbound ed, her mother with kind of mournful pleasure. "I only wish poor Severus could have seen it '" she remarked, witf sigh. The daughter was silent. She greatly doubted if "poor Sevems' would have enjoyed the sight.
 Other changes not less important had been wrought. James promoted the fath CT of his beloved to a better place anC higher wages, and removed the family tc a neat cottage of his own. Many an eve ming he and Nelly spent together, many a drive they took behind the fine bay team for which the boys had 1onged. NeC Blinley's sentence of exile was annulled and he was received as Maria Janes affi anced only it had been stipulated, fol her sake and his own, that the marriage should not take place till he were estab lished ill practice. Meanwhile he came and went at will, worshiped by his be- trothed and by her mother scarcely less Arthur was in college and doing nobly. r. Such was the state of things one late October afternoon, when a gentleman left the train at Bromley station, and looked about for a conveyance, presently deserted one that met his wants. "Can yot take me up to Mr. Raspton's?" he in quired.
 "Mr. Rasptons?' said the man, hesi tatingly.
 "Yes-Severus Raspton's. You must surely know the place."
 "Oh, the widder's, you mean" Why did the gentleman start at that word "Old Raspton's dead, you know,'s he ex pliined; Host at sea a year ago or there abouts.''
 ''I know. I forgot for the moment Drive fast''
 "Ill have you there in fifteen minutes That your baggage, Sir? It's a good two mile, but Ill land you at the door before you know it." Every well,' said the stranger, quietly
 "Why does he seem so wrapped up in himself like ?" thought Jo Bright What's that cap drawn over his eyes for, as if he was just ready to be swung off, and the cloak around his chin? Anc why can't he look feller in the face Fine day, Sir," he added aloud.
 "Very," responded the laconic stranger
 Three minutes passed in silence. As they turned a corner apretty sight reveal ed itself; a gentleman and lady were ri ding toward them. He tall and stately on his fine black horse, she gracefully