.

DRAWING NEARER.
"Brother Reuben, I cannot think what can be the reason, but my Lady Scrope has bidden me beg of thee to give her speech upon the morrow.

All this day she has been in a mighty pleasant humour: she gave me this silken neckerchief when I left today, and bid me bring my brother with me on the morrow--and she means thee, Reuben." "What can be the meaning of that ?" asked Rachel Harmer, with a look of curiosity.

"Doth she often speak to thee of thy kindred, child ?" "If the whim be on her, and she has naught else to amuse her, she will bid me tell of the life at home, and of our neighbours and friends," answered Dorcas.

"But never has she spoke as she did today.