Her eyes overflowed as Magdalen joined the little group under the portico; her frail hand trembled as it signed to her youngest daughter to take the vacant chair by her side.

"We were talking of your father," she said, softly.

"Oh, my love, if your married life is only as happy--" Her voice failed her; she put her handkerchief hurriedly over her face and rested her head on Magdalen's shoulder.

Norah looked appealingly to Miss Garth, who at once led the conversation back to the more trivial subject of Mr.Vanstone's return.

"We have all been wondering," she said, with a significant look at Magdalen, "whether your father will leave Grailsea in time to catch the train--or whether he will miss it and be obliged to drive back.