so," said Beatrice. "I believe after all, I should break my heart if
papa did retire without--"

"Without what, Bee?"

"Being Lord Chancellor, I suppose," said Henrietta very seriously. "I
am sure I should."

"His being in Parliament will content me for the present," said
Beatrice, "for I have been told too often that high principles don't
rise in the world, to expect any more. We can be just as proud of him
as if he was."

"You are in a wondrously humble and philosophic mood, Queen Bee," said
Henrietta; "but where are we now?" added she, as a gate swung back.

"Coming into the paddock," said Beatrice; "don't you see the lights in
the house? There, that is the drawing-room window to the right, and
that large one the great hall window. Then upstairs, don't you see
that red fire-light? That is the south room, which Aunt Mary will be
sure to have."

Henrietta did not answer, for there was something that subdued her in
the nervous pressure of her mother's hand. The carriage stopped at the
door, whence streamed forth light, dazzling to eyes long accustomed to
darkness; but in the midst stood a figure which Henrietta could not but
have recognized in an instant, even had not old Mr. Langford paid more
than one visit to Rocksand. Tall, thin, unbent, with high bald
forehead, clear eye, and long snowy hair; there he was, lifting rather
than handing his daughter-in-law from the carriage, and fondly kissing