Year: 1877

to tell her of our movements, and
then you shall take me for las
row on the lake.


CHAPTER III.


Claude Bennett and his blooming
bride had Just breakfasted at the lit
tie inn near Malvern, where Claude
had put up, because his finances, ht
said, were getting low and the large
motel was expensive. A carriage was
at the door to take them over tc
Burwood Park, and Ada was going
to prepare for the drive, when beI
husband said gaily:


You had better put on your best
bonnet, dear, in case we should hap,
pen to stumble upon Lord Elster.


thought you said he was mo-
there?


So l did, and l believe he is not
but it is not impossible that he may
have returned.


Oh, dear, l hope not.


Why do you hope not?


shouldn't know how to behave
to Lord.


Why you silly little goose, you
must behave just as you would to
any one else.


Is he an old man?


No, not very old.


Is there a Lady Elster?


There was not last year; but there
may be now, for anything know.
think l will take my drawing with
me; that will be a better reason for
going than merely seeing the house.
There, go and get ready, and make
yourself look as nice as you can.


Suppose he should fall in love with
me?


All! suppose he should-that
would be a pretty piece of business.
l should have to shoot him, you
know.


She laughed and went to her room
to dress for the excursion. In COM
pliance with her husbands wishes,
she put on the pretty little white
bonnet she was married in; and as
the weather was still warm enough
to admit of summer clothing, she
wore a lilac muslin dress, with a
scarf of the same.


1t was a charming drive of about
an hour, through the most beautiful
part of the country, and at length
they came to the high walls of what
appeared to be an extensive domain.


Here we are, said Mr.. Bennett,
this is Burwood Park.


The gates were open, but the dri-
yer stopped, not knowing whether
he was to enter.


You may drive straight up to the
house, was the direction given; and
the man, touching his hat, passed
through the gates, and Ada at once
recognized the picture she had so
much admired.


BurwoOd House was a noble edi
flee, of not very modern date, for it
had been the family seat of Lord
listers ancestors ever since the time
of Oliver Cromwell. 1t was built
of gray stone, and standing on a
raised terrace commanded a view of
the country beyond the park for
miles around. A broad fight of steps
led from the terrace to the lawn
which was adorned with marble stat
ues, beds Of choice flowers, and a
cascade flowing into a marble basin.


Oh, Claude! is it not lovely! ex-
claimed the delighted girl as she
gazed on the enchanting scene.


Yes, it is a nice place, my dear; l
thought you would be pleased with
it.


The carriage now drew up before
the grand entrance, which was in
flung wide open, and foot
man in handsome livery, fastened to
open the door of the vehicle, while
others stood at the top Of the steps,
one on each side of the portal.


Claude assisted his wife to alight,
and putting her arm through his led
her up the steps into the grand hall,
lighted by painted windows, which
shed their brilliant cOlOrs on the
black and white marble tioorlng.-
Opposite the entrance was broad
stone staircase, ,riehly carpeted, with
a gilded balustrade, and on each
side was a bronze status holding a
lamp.


Ada saw all this at a single glance
aud was wondering whether the no
BILE owner of so much grandeur was
there, when her husband said to one
of the liveried attendants


Well, Brice, you expected me- l
suppose? aono
aslvou ordered. Glad to see your
lordshiD back again-and my lady,
too, if j may be so bold.


And be Sowed low to the bewil-
dered Ada, who looked first at one
and thea at the sther, in the utmost
:astonishment.


Lord Elster nodded &indly at the
man, and hurried Lis trembling wife
up the broad stairs and along a gal
lery to an apartment that aazzzlgI -
her eyes with its splendor. Then ne
folded her to his bosom and kissed
her fOndly. 81, -, ou,


How does my Ada like her ne"
home?


must be dreaming, she answer
~ looking wildly around her, w hat
= - f Claude? Where am |? and what
Is IS , you? Are you not Claude Ben
nett the artist?


Yes my name is really Bennett,
and think may call myself an ar
tist.


But why did they all call you my
.ord?' Who is Lord ElsterP'


| am also that august Individual,
he replied, at the same time seating
himself on a couch and drawing her
down to his side. Aud now, my lit
Tie Ada, hope from this time for
ward you will know how to behave
10 a lord.


Their was such a mixture of fun
and tenderness in his manner that
she soon began to feel that she |
should be quite at home in her new
position, and when she had recover
ed in some measure her composure,