and, if not overcome, at least suppressed so that she never dreamed of its existence.

Poor Lilias Menteith, nine years ago a shadow had fallen upon her, under whose influence she yet lingered, and, it seemed must linger while life should be spared to her.

Nine years had passed since the blight, and the fair flower still bent under its dreadful power.

Before that time, Lord and Lady Menteith were one of the happiest couples in England, but this cruel blow had struck them both with terrific force, crushing half the sweetness from their lives.

At the time to which I refer they were living at Menteith, an estate of his lordship's, about two miles. from the city of Norstone.

Their family consisted of themselves, one daughter and five sons, the delight and pride of Lady Menteith, who was especially fond of boys.

The butler at this time was a man of the name of Mawer, who, being suspected of having stolen a large sum of money, was dismissed. The theft, shortly after, was traced to him he was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to be transported for a term of years, while serving which he died.

Among the servants of Lady Menteith was a woman named Millicent Harley, a widow.

Before the disgrace and dismissal of Mawer, it was whispered that he and Millicent had a liking for each other; but as the reserved woman showed no emotion at his arrest, people concluded that they were under a mistake.

Shortly after the news of his death arrived, she gave notice to leave, and, her notice having expired, took a farewell of Menteith, apparently on the best of terms with its inmates.

The baby at this time was three years of age, a pretty lively little fellow, a real Menteith, of whom Millicent seemed to be very fond.

About three months after her departure he disappeared, was stolen from his little cot, no one knew how or when : and though Lord Menteith employed the acutest and most experienced of London detectives, no clue could be obtained. The search was even now being prosecuted, under Mr. Leland's superintendence; but, hitherto, without the slightest success.

The effect of this severe trial upon the lady had been to ruin her health, and cause her to take such a dislike to Menteith, that to stay there longer was an impossibility.

Change of scene was recommended by her medical adviser, and, accordingly, his lordship, as soon as she was sufficiently recovered to travel, took her on the continent.

Place after place they visited, by land and sea, until, on reaching Rolandseck, she expressed a wish to settle down, for a time, at least.

A pretty villa was offered for sale, and Lord Menteith, to whom her wish was law, at once bought it, and they took up their residence.

It was a dull life for him; but all other feelings seemed to merge into the desire to assuage his wife's grief, to relieve, if he could, her mental distress.

They had now been at this lovely little spot nearly three years, and still the lady held out against going home.

Had reliable information been sent of the child's death, she would have borne it better; but to know that he might be living, possibly in want, perhaps even in sin and misery, was anguish unutterable.

:

Poor Lilias Menteith, her path in life, promising so fair, had, indeed, proved to be bestrewn with thorns her sky, once so bright, now overspread with clouds, in whose murky folds no rift could yet be discerned.

A good, kind husband had Lord Menteith proved to her, never refusing a request that could be granted, trying to cheer her, to make her forget the past, and look with more hope to the future, but hitherto, with scanty success, for all her thoughts and plans centred in the discovery of the missing, but still dearly-loved boy, who, if living, would now be about twelve years of age.

"This sweet balmy air will do you good, Lily, dear," said Lord Menteith, as they walked slowly along the banks of the river. "How invigorating is this fresh breeze after

the heat of the day."

66

"Yes, Harry, and how clear and beautiful is the moon. Look at old Drachenfels."

The appearance of which ruined castle certainly was deserving of anyone's admiration, for, like a grim old chieftain, whose armour torn in many a fray, tells of fierce strife, it stood, keeping grim watch over the sleeping Rhineland.

The huge rents and fissures in its ancient walls, greater part of which had fallen away altogether, were softened

and toned down by the mellow, chastened light that illumined them, making the devastation wrought by the hand of time less apparent to the eyes of the beholder.

They gazed upon it in silence for some minutes, then passed on, talking over a proposed visit to Bonn, the beauties of which Lady Menteith had heard, but which she had never seen, and, after a gentle walk of about half-amile, returned to the house, greatly refreshed and soothed.

CHAPTER VIII.

A VISITOR AT THE SPENSER'S.

AITH, Jackie, but shall I have to be afther taking

all these things with me to your house? Why,

your mother will think it's intending to set up a tailor's shop, I am."

"Yes, you must take them, old boy. Why, you wouldn't leave them here, would you? Get them in your boxes. See, I've nearly done!"

"It's myself that's considering where they're to go," said the Irish boy, ruefully regarding the piles of clothing arranged on the bed, and on the floor, too, for Master Pat had no troublesome scruples about the fitness of places, the first was generally the best, with him.

"Come, old fellow, put them in your boxes," said Jackie, and Pat obeyed: he took up a pile of sundries, and tossed them in headlong; then followed boots, and, lastly, some clean collars, and other articles of linen apparel.

Having accomplished this wonderful feat, a sigh of relief escaped him, and he sank down on the bed, groaning out, "There, that's done."

"DONE!" " cried Jackie; "You mean to say you call that done; well, if ever I saw the like. Talk about medley