The colour had faded from her cheeks; her eyes were heavy, as if she had been weeping; and if she did not steadily avoid his gaze, she was, he could see, uneasy under it.
As soon as Mr.Markland had finished his light breakfast he ordered the carriage.
"You are not going to the city ?" his wife said, with surprise and disappointment in her voice.
"Yes, Agnes, I must be in town to-day.

I expect letters on business that will require immediate attention." "Business, Edward! What business ?" The question appeared slightly to annoy Mr.Markland.But with a forced smile, and in his usual pleasant voice, he answered: "Oh, nothing of very great importance, but still requiring my presence.

Business is business, you know, and ought never to be neglected." "Will you be home early ?" "Yes." Mr.Markland walked out into the ample porch, and let his eyes range slowly over the objects that surrounded his dwelling.

His wife stood by his side.

The absence of a few days, amid other and less attractive scenes, had prepared his mind for a better appreciation of the higher beauties of "Woodbine Lodge." Something of the old feeling came over him; and as he stood silently gazing around, he could not but say, within himself, "If I do not find happiness here, I may look for it through the world in vain." The carriage was driven round to the door, while he stood there.
Fanny came out at the moment, and seeing her father about to step into it, sprang forward, and exclaimed-- "Why, father, you are not going away again ?" "Only to the city, love," he answered, as he turned to receive her kiss.
"To the city again?
Why, you are away nearly all the time.