It seems to me we shall go on reading and writing, sewing and drawing, and taking what mamma calls instructive rambles until our heads grow gray." "It is not so bad as that, Beatrice," laughed Lillian.

"Lady Earle says papa must return some day; then we shall all go to him." "I never believe one word of it," said Beatrice, undauntedly.

"At times I could almost declare papa himself was a myth.

Why do we not live with him?
Why does he never write?
We never hear of or from him, save through Lady Earle; besides, Lillian, what do you think I heard Mrs.
Vyvian say once to grandmamma?
It was that we might not go to Earlescourt at all--that if papa did not return, or died young, all would go to a Mr.Lionel Dacre, and we should remain here.

Imagine that fate--living a long life and dying at the Elms!" "It is all conjecture," said her sister.