arches high over the short sward and flowery patterns of the outer garden
of Brandon. The unspeakable sadness of wounded pride was on her beautiful
features, and there was a fondness in the gesture with which she laid her
fingers on these exotics and stooped over them, which gave to her
solitude a sentiment of the pathetic.

From the high glass doorway, communicating with the drawing-rooms, at the
far end, among towering ranks of rare and gorgeous flowers, over the
encaustic tiles, and through this atmosphere of perfume, did Captain
Stanley Lake, in his shooting coat, glide, smiling, toward his beautiful
young wife.

She heard the door close, and looking half over her shoulder, in a low
tone indicating surprise, she merely said:

'Oh!' receiving him with a proud sad look.

'Yes, Dorkie, I'm here at last. I've been for some weeks so insufferably
busy,' and he laid his white hand lightly over his eyes, as if they and
the brain within were alike weary.

'How charming this place is--the temple of Flora, and you the divinity!'

And he kissed her cheek.

'I'm now emancipated for, I hope, a week or two. I've been so stupid and
inattentive. I'm sure, Dorkie, you must think me a brute. I've been shut
up so in the library, and keeping such tiresome company--you've no idea;
but I think you'll say it was time well spent, at least I'm sure you'll
approve the result; and now that I have collected the facts, and can show