Chapter I. The Arrival.

"Mamma," said Hildegarde Grahame, flying into her mother‘s room, "I have news for you, thrilling news! Guess what it is!"

Mrs. Grahame looked up from her sewing.

"The house is on fire," she said, quietly, "or you have found a Royal Walnut Moth； or, possibly, Hugh has developed wings and flown away. None of these things would greatly surprise me； but in the first case I must take action, while in either of the others I can finish this seam."

"Continue your prosaic labours!" said the girl. "The dress is mine, and I want it."

She sat down, and fanned herself with her broad straw hat. "It is hot!" she announced with emphasis.

"And that is the news?" said her mother. "Astonishing! I should never have guessed it, assuredly."

"Madam, you are a tease! The big yellow house is let, and the family is moving in today, at this moment! Now, how do you feel?"

"Much the same, thank you!" was the reply. "Slight accelerati

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