children of the family had died in their cradles, and not only did
compassion for the past affect Albinia, as she thought of her
husband's world of hidden grief, but a shudder for the future came
over her, as she remembered having read that such mortality is a test
of the healthiness of a locality. What could she think of Willow
Lawn? It was with a strong effort that she brought her attention
back to Him Who controlleth the sickness that destroyeth at noon-day.

But Mr. Dusautoy's deep, powerful intonations roused her wandering
thoughts, and she was calmed and reassured by the holy Feast, in
which she joined with her husband.

Mr. Kendal's fine face was calm and placid, as best she loved to look
upon it, when they came out of church, and she was too happy to
disturb the quiet by one word. Lively and animated as she was, there
was a sort of repose and enjoyment in the species of respect exacted
by his grave silent demeanour.

If this could only have lasted longer! but he was taking her along an
irregular street, and too soon she saw a slight colour flit across
his cheek, and his eyebrows contract, as he unlatched a green door in
a high wall, and entered a little flagged court, decorated by a stand
destined for flowers.

Albinia caught the blush, and felt more bashful than she had believed
was in her nature, but she had a warm-hearted determination that she
would work down prejudices, and like and be liked by all that
concerned him and his children. So she smiled at him, and went
bravely on into the matted hall and up the narrow stairs, and made a
laughing sign when he looked back at her ere he tapped at the