his friend's plighted wife.

And now, the purpose of his life being so far achieved, Gilbert Fenton
rode back to Winchester next day, restored his horse to its proprietor,
and went on to London by an evening train.




CHAPTER XVII.

MISS CARLEY'S ADMIRERS.


There were times in which Marian Holbrook's life would have been utterly
lonely but for the companionship of Ellen Carley. This warm-hearted
outspoken country girl had taken a fancy to Mr. Holbrook's beautiful wife
from the hour of her arrival at the Grange, one cheerless March evening,
and had attached herself to Marian from that moment with unalterable
affection and fidelity. The girl's own life at the Grange had been lonely
enough, except during the brief summer months, when the roomy old house
was now and then enlivened a little by the advent of a lodger,--some
stray angler in search of a secluded trout stream, or an invalid who
wanted quiet and fresh air. But in none of these strangers had Ellen ever
taken much interest. They had come and gone, and made very little
impression upon her mind, though she had helped to make their sojourn
pleasant in her own brisk cheery way.

She was twenty-one years of age, very bright-looking, if not absolutely
pretty, with dark expressive eyes, a rosy brunette complexion, and very