That
stately mansion, shut in by noble old trees from all the dust and
clamour of the outer world; those smooth lawns, and exquisitely kept
beds, filled with flowers even in this chill spring weather, must have
seemed beautiful to those accustomed to handsome habitations. What must
they have been then to the wanderer of the streets--the friendless
tramp--who a week ago had depended for a night's rest on the chance of
finding an empty barn.
She looked at her benefactor with eyes that were dim with tears, as the
carriage approached this delightful retreat.
"If I were your daughter, you could not have chosen a better place than
this," she said.
"If you were my daughter, I doubt if I could feel a deeper interest in
your fate than I feel now," answered Sir Oswald, quietly.
Miss Beaumont the elder received her pupil with ceremonious kindness.
She looked at the girl with the keen glance of examination which
becomes habitual to the eye of the schoolmistress; but the most severe
scrutiny would have failed to detect anything unladylike or ungraceful
in the deportment of Honoria Milford.
"The young lady is charming," said Miss Beaumont, confidentially, as
the baronet was taking leave; "any one could guess that she was an
Eversleigh. She is so elegant, so patrician in face and manner. Ah, Sir
Oswald, the good old blood will show itself.
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