When Halcyone was nearly nineteen and had grown into a rare and radiant maiden, the like of whom it would be difficult to find, an event happened which was of the greatest excitement and importance to the neighborhood.

Wendover, which had been shut up for twenty years, was reported to have been taken for a term by a very rich widow--or _divorcee_--from America it was believed, and it was going to be sumptuously done up and would be filled with guests.

Mr.Miller took pains to find out every detail from the Long Man at Applewood, and so was full of information at his monthly repast with the old ladies.

Mrs.
Vincent Cricklander was the new tenant's name.

The Long Man had himself taken her over the place when she first came down to look at it, and his report was that she was the most beautiful lady he had ever seen, and with an eye to business that could not be beaten.