felt, whose image was present to Ethel: she said nothing; but pressing her companion's arm kindly, drew her onwards, and walked along the terrace in silence. But Henrietta's imagination was too acute and too buoyant not to arrange a whole future during their walk. She reconciled Ethel and Courtenaye; she gave Lord Norbourne's consent to their marriage; and was just ending, like a fairy tale, with—"and they lived very happy for the rest of their lives," when Lord Norbourne returned.
"I expect a charming welcome," said he, "for I return successful: Sir Robert relents. I have offered to become security that Mrs. Churchill has done with treasonable correspondence. She will not yet be permitted to return to the Manor House: it is too convenient for 'treasons, stratagems,' &c.; and it is as well not to be put in the way of temptation: but she will be allowed perfect liberty in London. Something of a fine is still talked of; but even that, I hope, will be remitted."
"How kind you are!" exclaimed Lady Marchmont; but Ethel found no voice to
