The lady in question, whom Mr. Santon had deemed worthy of his hand, and its consequent honors, was of a family of lower standing than his own as far as much of this world’s goods go to give caste; but if, aside from depth of purse, she was his inferior, we have yet to learn.  The marriage ceremonies were attended with little display, in deference to Mr. Santon’s wishes, and the day at length arrived, when the bride, who resided in a neighboring city, was to be received in her new home.

She came, and congratulations were exchanged between mother and daughter, first impressions were made, and the hour arrived which should liberate each one to the night’s repose.  Winnie flew to her room; she had seen her whom she was to call “mother,” and from the few hours which she had already passed with her, her superior discernment of character had judged of her aright; she never had cause to vary from the opinion which she had from the first formed of her; she choked back the tears, so strange to see within her eyes, and kneeling, she repeated the very first prayer her mother had ever taught her, an exercise which from the example set before her for the last two years, she now never failed to observe.  Arising, she endeavored to dispel the mountain of anguish which was creeping into her soul,—­in sleep.  Poor Winnie! we can pity you; ’tis but life’s lesson taught.

The impression which Natalie had received of the second wife of Mr. Santon’s choice, though she would not bring herself to realize it, were by no means prepossessing.  She had schooled her own, and Winnie’s heart to love her under any circumstances, but when she saw with what frigidity she received Winnie’s warm welcome, thinking not of the condescension with which she had taken her own hand, her tender heart was pierced as Winnie looked toward her, as if for strength, and she had returned her look with a smile which could not fail to prove to her a ray of sunshine.

Why is it that it is of so frequent occurrence, that a man who has been blessed with peculiar loveliness of character in a wife, if he be called upon to part with her, finds, alas! too late, in a second partner, an extreme opposite?  It was thus in Mr. Santon’s experience, as he but too soon was obliged to acknowledge to himself, though he would not that others should have a suspicion of the fact; yet it was evident to his nearest friends that he was not the happy man he once was; the few sprinkles of gray, which had reflected honor upon the raven black of his hair, had increased ere the honey-moon was hardly ended.

Early the next morning after the arrival of Mrs. Santon, Winnie was awakened by an attendant, whose sense of propriety were a question, if placed in a balance with that of her new mistress, which were the weightier.  The woman apologized for disturbing “her leddy-ship,” but the new mistress would like to see Miss Santon in the drawing-room as soon as possible.

“You can go,” was Winnie’s reply, “and tell Mrs. Santon that at my convenience, I will see her!” but recalling the servant, with her next thought, she added, “merely say to my mother, that I will soon be with her,” and hastily making her toilet, she repaired to the drawing-room.