Two healthy, intelligent children completed his domestic happiness; the boy was about to enter the military career, which had been that of all his ancestors; the girl was to remain yet a while under her mother's wing.

Like all men of old descent, our baron was a good deal given to speculate upon the past and the future of his family.

We have said that his means were not large, and though he had always intended to lay by, the time for beginning to do so had never yet come.

Either some improvement to house or grounds was wanted, or a trip to the baths--rendered necessary by his wife's delicate health--consumed the overplus income.

Reflections of this nature were occupying him just now, as he came galloping up the great chestnut avenue.