When the Birds Begin to Sing

golden trees, rich with autumnal tints, as Philip and

parkling with delight as they rest on her new abode.

ks and a lenient smile, which alights on the youthful mistress. Eleano

ictures on the wall with mock courtesy. "Real dead

ctures on the wall

y as the luggage is brought in, pointin

he says gently. "Poor old things, they disf

ug," stumbling over a head on the ground. "I caught my heel on

at a time in her eager ascent. "Sarah," calling to her maid, "bring those three hat

house after Eleanor. The day of the school treat returns to his m

re's a room to be frivolous and lazy in, a study for book lear

ch bigger than the one at the vicarage, which was always out of tune. I'll get my cousin Joe to send

d, Eleanor," ha replies,

for I feel horrible after my

on! Do exactly as you lik

in her room bu

uff was awful, I could not speak a word! Yes, I will wear my lovely pink tea-gown-did you ever see anything so pretty, Sarah? I must make y

ere one of the farm-servants at home, and she

the country, Sarah

and mother keeps house for the doct

don't liv

of us can't live at home, he is that has

hs Eleanor. "Doesn'

ound the eyes, and crimson in the cheeks, and t

an expressive "Oh!" as she shakes down

got?" gazing at her face

here's me, and J

like R

would have rather been in London, and cook

y did th

engaged them, and he seemed that put

s! whatever i

very strong in the arms, and

dles; I want to have

ith spasmodic gasps of satisfaction, till Phi

and over each fresh course. At the soup she wants a pony cart, but over the fish decides on a brougham and victoria. The entrée introduc

have a very comfortable income to live in a fairly luxurious style without undue extra

na. There is a pause, then she looks up

everything splendidly. I often think of you, Eleanor, in you

ll!" (s

ng of cows. Eleanor pushes aside the dish of bananas, "Let us go out in the moonlight," she says. "It is lovely in the garden, and you ca

dear, it is dangerous

strating her meaning by striking another. "Wha

rtre

out of his glass. "What queer tasting stu

you l

to make. But do come for a stroll; I like wanderin

versed in astronomy. "Don't they make you feel like a

ls at Copthorne were mad with jealousy at my wedding. They all want to marry gentlemen now, and come to London. Do you remember the schoolchildren, Philip? How they scattered flowers and crowded round to kiss me. I gave them my wedding cake (or rather what

he whispers. A soft bright

e isn't a lighter

pose. Two were at home, and I looked so aggravatingly healthy. I could not think what to talk about, having never done that sort of thing

e latest cards whic

e has not the best of names in Richmond; this place teems with scandal! I am acquainted with half-a-d

they against Mr

st widow, and not a nice companion for you. She has a queer set at

, Philip, and we live nex

, and not ask if she is in. That is about the b

rrid," sighs Eleanor, "b

in hand, rings at Mrs. Mounteagle's, prep

gravel, and a slim, dark woman approaches with slumbrous eyes, which look at the visitor dreamily. A smile, like a fitful name, flic

e only just married, you must find first calls most boring and tedious. But I am very glad you selected this afternoon to return mine, for I am s

erself in a softly cushioned rocking chair, with her feet on Mrs. Mo

t to know. What sparkling conversation! and, oh, what a dainty tea ser

hitherto considered such a dream of beauty. More than once M

his sofa and yawn over a novel. I could have written it better myself, and that foolish librarian at Mudie's recommended it. I

ittle. I lived in the country before m

that Mr. Roche found

married life

take my advice and marry again. We poor weak little women were not made to take care of ourselves. We want a stronger arm to lean on-som

admiringly to th

sband.' He is still young in years, though old in frivolity, or vice, whichever you like to call it.

ds with deepe

my husband was nearly eighty. Yes," noting her visitor's

ws old. She erases Time with the same nimble fingers with which she creates her boudoir, and makes it appear part of her being. You admire my sanctum, and small wonder. It has cost me sleepless nights as long as the furniture bills. I invented it. These chairs for instance were not

cries Eleanor, "there is

l 'compose' you a room. It shall be like a melody (i

nly. "It is all so like a fairy palace,

nd; pray take care not to get into a clique. They are so numerous and unhealthy, so full of civil wars and

antly and giving Mrs. Mounteagle both her h

of each other," answers the widow

ult if we are not,"

y p

home an hour, and he's fri

reets her on