Year: 1879

One morning there came an invita-
tion for Us all TO spend the coming
Christmas week AZ Saunton Court, the
home of my mammals cousin My two
aunts at once decided that the weather
and their ailments combined. would
effectually prevent their going; but al
the same time they absolutely insisted
upon my availing myself of an invita-
ton that promised so much enjoyment
TO one of my age. Reluctant as L felt
argument of mine could shake their de-
termination that 90 | should.


| had been to few balls, and had had
buta s passing glimpse of the gay world
which my cousin inhabited and adorn-
ed, therefore it may be supposed my
authorizations were entirely of the color
called rose.


There was a cold, wintry gleam OF
light as left the train and made my
wav to Sir Hubert's carriage-which
was waiting outside the station, and
the sun had almost sent for.h his last
good night in red and yellow rays over
the moat and lake, when the rarriage
drew up at the huge portico Of the
Court.


Without delay / was ushered into the
great hall. where everything spoke OF
the season.


At sight of me, Lady Saunton left
a group of ladies, and coming forward
gave me a hearty welcome.


After luncheon and as soon as we
could get by ourselves my cousin said


''Friola, dear, | am going 20 beg a
great favor of you-in fact, hardly
know how to ask it; but have been in
such state of perplexity ever since the
post came this morning. You know
the house is quite full-crammed
might say, and this is my dilemma
very vexing one, too; but do hope YOU
will not be much annoyed, dear, if
ask YOU to let Miss Archer share your
room for few days. / can easily have
sofa bed put up in that corner for her,
and people who change there mind al
the last minute must not be particular
if you do not very much dislike it. )"


Having talked herself out of breath,
and relieved her mind of its oppressive
load, Lady Saunton at once recovered
her natural, bewitching manner.


OF course | could do nothing but
comply.


"well, FRI she then said. ''you
have certainly taken q mountain off my
back, and / feel very light and very
grateful. Only, dear, hope you will
like this Miss Archer. | must find her
letter, though | doubt if we can form
much idea of her from few lines"


.'But don't you know herr" 1 ex-
claimed. for | was somewhat foolish
and timid about strangers.


"why no, Ican't say do" was her
reply. "Her family have been abroad
for several years. / do just remember
seeing this girl at an archery ball in
the Autumn; but / could hardly tell
what she was like. You must have
heard of her people, for they are coun-
ty neighbors of ours, though | think
theyhad most likely gone abroad before
you ever came to Saunton."


Here Mary dived into the dainty
pocket of her little lace -bordered apron
and drew from it the letter for my in:
spection. 1t was one of the oldest
looking missives 1 ever saw. The con.
tents were word for word as follows:


DEAR LADY SAUNToN.-I have only
lust returned home from Scotland, and
heard of your most kind invitation
which mamma and my sisters were un.
able to accept. 1t viii give me the
greatest pleasure to come TO you for {
few davs, and hope TO reach Sauntor
Court almost as soon as my letter.


Yours very truly, KATE ARCHER.


Silently returned the letter to my
cousin. whilst at the same moment tn,
sound of wheels on the drive made III
both involuntarily start. With laugh
and a remark about the state of oul
nerves, Lady Saunton hurried away t.
receive this much-talked-of fresh ar
rival.


Miss Friola," said my maid, a few