Robert and Clara Schumann-Florestan's Story: Wandering Jew, The last Appearance of the: 263

Newa k Por The Bailon B. La Crow: Watching the Road: By Ada Trevanion: 264 Wild-flowers: By the late J. D. Cartwright: 62

Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 216, Strand, London,

THE COMMONER'S DAUGHTER.

By the Author of "A Few out of Thousands."

I anticipated a severe lecture at breakfast, but to my relief, for I longed to forget the whole affair, Mr. Castlebrook took not the slightest notice of the events of last night. Probably he was absorbed in his own vexations. His overcast countenance and frequent reference to a small red book, in which I knew bets were registered, bespoke considerable uneasiness. It was a late, or rather early hour that morning, when he returned home; but he was down as usual to a ten o'clock breakfast. He told me as he rose from the table, that I might inform Lady Laura he should be home by four o'clock, to drive her down to Richmond, a party having been made up a week previously to dine there. I sat still some minutes after his departure, wondering if I should dare enter Lady Laura's presence. Then I pursued my own avocations till her hour for rising, when I went to her room, and, knocking at the door, heard in answer a sulky "come in."

Lady Laura gave nothing but black looks and short answers. I delivered my father's message, and at four o'clock they started on their pleasure jaunt.

When they were gone, as luncheon served for my dinner when there was no party, I had the evening before me to reflect if I pleased, and to form resolutions for the future; but just as I commenced my task of self-examination, Mrs. Martin, putting her head in at the door, told me that Madame Friponne's forewoman had arrived with my court dress, to be tried on. This was somewhat of an event, and might ward off painful thoughts; so up-stairs I went.

The dress fitted admirably, and as I gazed in Lady Laura's cheval-glass I scarcely knew the gay vision I saw reflected there. I was just taking off the pink train, and helping the girl to fold it, when Mrs. Martin re-appeared. I was standing, robed in the rich white satin petticoat and bodice, which of itself formed a sufficiently becoming dress.

Oh, Miss Castlebrook, how beautiful you do look! But I must trouble you. Two persons want Mr. Castlebrook, and when I said he was not at home, they insisted on seeing you.

I

Mrs. Martin was not ignorant of "You had best think," lowering her voice, "it is some one for money." some of our household secrets. "But I have to dress, Mrs. Martin." come I think, Miss." "Just throw my lady's opera-shawl over you, Miss Castlebrook. They will think you are dressed to go out, and will go the sooner. One seems quite like a gentleman; but I know they are some of master's creditors by this card." She displayed it as she spoke: "Messrs. Gray "I wish," I said, "Messrs. Gray and Rugget and Rugget, jewellers," being inscribed thereon. come on business. Shall I not have time to had timed their visit better. It is very late to They seem in a terrible hurry, Miss. Do take off this finery, Mrs. Martin ?" Thus arged, I did as Mrs. Martin come!" advised, and, throwing one of Lady Laura's unwelcome visitors. cashmeres on my shoulders, I descended to my

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They are at present in the housekeeper's "Show them into the library," I said; for I room, Miss," said Martin, as I went downstairs. was not ambitious to enter the servants' territories in my splendid costume. "I will wait here till I hear them go in, Mrs. Martin."

The housekeeper bustled away, and when I heard the door close I went down, and, entering One was tall, the library, found myself in the presence of Messrs. Gray and Rugget. They were certainly remarkable-looking men. broadly made, with a countenance whose every tering tyranny. I shuddered as I looked. If lineament spoke of coarse sensuality and blusmy father were really in this man's power! I As I rapidly surveyed them, had entered with little noise, and was not at first observed. the other person (for I knew not which was Mr. Gray or which Mr. Rugget) turned round from a picture which he had been examining, and I tin's "gentleman.” mentally exclaimed, "This must be Mrs. Mar

Externally, he was certainly quite what is vulHad I not known him to be a trader I should garly understood by the word "gentleman." have decided him to be a man of high rank.

B