were just then in their richest colouring, and the October
sky, in its strong vitality, seemed to fill all inanimate
nature with the breath of life. If ever, then on that day, to
the fancy, "the little hills rejoiced on every side." The
woods stood thick with honours, and earth lay smiling under
the tokens of the summer's harvest, and the promise for the
coming year; and the wind came in gusts over the lower country
and up the hill-side, with a hearty good-will that blew away
all vapours, physical and mental, from its path, bidding
everything follow its example and be up and doing. Fleda drew
a long breath or two that seemed to recognise its freshening
power.

"How long it seems," she said — "how very long — since I was
here with Mr. Carleton; — just nine years ago. How changed
everything is! I was a little child then. It seems such an age
ago!" —

"It is very odd he didn't come to see us," said Hugh.

"He did — don't you know? — the very next day after we heard
he was here — when, most unluckily, I was up at aunt
Miriam's."

"I should think he might have come again, considering what
friends you used to be."

"I dare say he would, if he had not left Montepoole so soon.
But, dear Hugh, I was a mere child — how could he remember me
much?"