to me best. Say the same to Mrs. Sutton, if you please; also that I
will submit to no dictation, and ask no advice."

Mabel's anger seldom outlived its utterance. The hot sparkle in her
eye was quenched by moisture, as she laid her hand caressingly upon
her brother's.

"Winston! you cannot suppose that we could be wanting in cordiality
to any one whom you love, much less to your wife. Let her come when
she may, she will be heartily welcomed by us both. But this has
fallen suddenly upon me, and I am a little out of sorts to-day, I
believe--excited and nervous--and, O, my darling! my oldest and best
of friends! I hope your love will bring to you the happiness you
deserve."

The tears had their course, at last, bathing the hand she bowed to
kiss. The simple ardor of the outbreak would have affected many men
to a show of responsive weakness. Even Winston Aylett's physiognomy
was more human and less statuesque, as he patted her head, and bade
her be composed.

"If you persist in enacting Niobe, I shall believe that you are
chagrined at the prospect of having the sister you have repeatedly
besought me to give you," he said, playfully--for him. "You have not
asked me her name, and where she lives. What has become of your
curiosity? I never knew it to be quiescent before."

"I thought you would tell me whatever it was best for me to know,"
replied Mabel, drying her eyes.