Halcyone

r sterner sister, to receive their guest. He would come in the afternoon, Halcyone had said. That meant about three o'

question for poor Miss Roberta-so even the sight of a man and a stranger was an unusual thing! She had not attempted conversation with anyone

dark orange lacquer and gilt-and here most of the treasures which had not yet been disposed of for daily bread, were hoarded in cabinets and quaint glass-topped show tables. There were a number of other priceless things about

were seated in their respective chairs-Miss Roberta with a piece of delicate embroidery in her hands, t

looking very much as she had looked for the last forty years. Her harp stood on one side of

old Willia

Car

s Sunday best, wal

wanted they were sent for. It was not seeml

ly nervous, that she said timidly

ask Halcyone to come down, perhaps Mr

far from the door, was reca

from here," Mr. Carlyon said, by way

my sister and I live quite retired from the world it suits us. We

a neighbor," Miss Roberta exclaime

always been so sadly effusive, she f

, each felt he or she must approach the subject of H

fter she very gently entered the room. There was n

me Greek?" she said, including both her relati

, and prove a worthy pupil. It was most fortunate for Halcyone, because her stepfather, Mr. James Anderton, might decide at their request not to send another governess, and, "No doubt it will be

riends of them for life

ting to the antiquated musical instruments. "

La Sarthe, without a too great show of gratification, "

iss Roberta, b

of hearing you together some day

acquiesced, as they de

r got up to leave, Miss La S

s, before we disposed of the property we no longer required. It always used

will take some time. I and my servant have already begun to c

ne. "I love gardening, and can dig

hings for us," Miss Roberta explai

alcyon's first lesson having bee

had gone and th

st show him some attention for his kindness to our great-niece; he will understand and not allow it to flatter him too much. You remember, Roberta, our Mamm

y for her. "You were only seventy-two last November, and I shall not be sixty-nine until March-and if you r

ss Roberta subsided with a sigh as she took her guitar from the wall and beg

ld hardly sit still, it hurt her so-but it was only when Miss Roberta had begun a second warble that e

ment for me," she said. "I almost think the top s

child soon had it perfectly acc

ents. And at last he sat at his writing-table and wrote a letter to his friend and former pupil, John Derringham, in which he

living with them, the most remarkable little female intelligence I have ever come across. My old habit of instruction is not to be allowed to rest, for I am going to teach the creature Greek, as a diversion. She se

ny a long day. He had other potent interests beside his political am

ot expect him-he

to many charming stories of that wonderful people. And the night was her friend, and numerous hours were passed in t