high road. It is built flush with the ground, and
covered with trellis-work, which in summer time is
by clustering white roses and clematis. The porch is in the centre, and the rooms on each There is a large side have broad bay windows. so many evergreens about the field in front, and cottage, that, when snow comes, the place looks like concealed a winter "transformation scene."
A great, old-fashioned garden stretches far out at the back, and it was chiefly the tranquillity and privacy of this delightful garden, with its grand old hedge of holly, now bright with red berries, which Mrs. Riddell, and decided her to settle down, away from the world, after long and fierce buffeting with the stormy seas of sorrow, disappointment, attracted losses, and bereavement, of which she has had so large a share.
The gentle, quiet face tells its tale of early struggles, heavy burdens, severe trials yet time has not laid its ruthless hand over-harshly on the author. Not a silver hair is visible on the soft, brown hair, which is simply rolled into a neat coil, high on the back of her head, and fastened by a large tortoise-shell comb. The deep grey eyes are undimmed, and wear a look of peace and resignation, nobly won while "ever and anon of" which recalls the griefs subdued, there comes a token But Mrs. Riddell can smile past. sweetly, and when she smiles, two yes two absolutely girlish dimples She is tall, has light up the expressive countenance. a good carriage, and is dressed in black; she has worn no colours for over ten years.
The little room is very simply but prettily fur-
