A Little Mother to the Others

avenue to Delaney Manor. The fly had only one occupant-a round, roly-poly sort of little woman. She was dressed in deep mourning, and the windows

mplexioned face, with a good deal of color in her cheeks. She was stoutly built, but the expression on her countenance was undoubtedly cheerful. Nothing signified gloom about her exce

d another lawn there, and not even cows feeding on them. Oh, yes! of course there is the park! The park is right enough, and no one wants to interfere with that. But why should all the land in that direction, and in that direction, and in that direction"-here she put out her head again and look

was the response. "Steep 'il

hs of the gloomy fly. Presently a bend in the avenue brought the old manor h

nderstand her. She was an American, and I hate the Americans; yes, I cordially hate them. Poor David, however, was devoted-oh, it was melancholy, melancholy! I suppose it was on account of Evangeline that all this splendid land has been allowed to lie fallow-not even cows, not even a stray sheep to eat all that magnificent grass. Wherever I turn I see flower-beds-flower-beds sloping away to east and west, as far almost as the eye can travel. And so there are four childr

olman got out. She was short in stature, but her business-like manner and attitude

he steps," she said. "You need

a price, which she

ngs for driving me from the station

and all uphill. I really can

impostor. I shall

ly footmen threw open the hall

if you please," she said, "and pray

reply. "But Mr. Delaney is n

ster has arrived, and please also see that my luggage is taken to my room-and

the cab exchanged a quick glance. Immediately afterwards

pose I must pay it, or, rather, you can pay

my master that you

d prefer to announce myself. Wh

privat

hat my luggage is taken to a

remarkably quiet, seeing that there was a large staff of

f grief. Of course I know he was passionately attached to Evangeline, and she certainly was a charming, although quite incapable, creature. I suppose she was what would be termed 'a man's woman.' Now, I have never any patience with th

voice said, "Come in." She opened the door and entered. A man was standing with his back to her in the deep embrasur

ke it hard; but have the goodness to turn

words, the master of Delaney Ma

exclaimed. He advanced to meet his sister

se of politeness. When I undertook this wearisome journey from the north of England, I knew I should not be welcome, but all the same I

said Mr. Delaney. He offered his sister a

er hand, although an excellent and loving parent, was, when in good spirits, given to hearty laughter-given to loud, eager words, to strong exercise, both physical and mental. He was, as a rule, a very active man, seldom staying still in one place, but bustling here, there, and everywhere. He was fond of his children, and petted them a good deal; but the one whom he really worshi

t ask you to understand immediately that I will not have the subject of my"-he hesitated, and his under lip shook for a moment-"the subject of my trouble alluded t

would have asked me not to come; and as it was necessary for me to appear on the scen

done it you have done it, an

se from his se

o your room, and wash and c

only brought one. I will go to my ro

f-past

will not lose the opportunity. It will be necess

ief swept over Mr. D

"have but little time at my disposal, and there is a great deal to be done. But before I proceed to

Jane? What d

of grass outs

lluding to

of Providence to allow so much land to lie fallow. Why, you might grow potatoes or barley or oats

s I may be allowed to arrange it as pleases

d him with a long

s no use bothering him on that point at present, and, as he won't allow me to talk of poor Evangeline,-who had, poor soul, a

om her seat as this

journey, as perhaps you do not remember, David; so I will seek my r

now that, Jane," he answered

am the only si

pull well together

first time a really soft and affectionate look came into her f

always, Jane. The childr

the children. Of course, now th

ot go into that,"

England, you will find better behaved children than my five. I have brought them up on a plan of my own, and now that I come here at great trouble, and I may also add expense, to try and help you in your-oh, of course, I must not say it-to try and help you

ear J

, the matter must be arranged. I must take the children back with me the day after to-morrow. Now I will

ell, and a moment later the footman appeared in answer to his su

n sank down on the nearest chair, put his hands on the table