Mr. Willet fixed his eyes so earnestly on the countenance of Fanny, that she partly averted her face to conceal the warm flush that came to her cheeks.

“I shall be happy to make her acquaintance,” she replied.  “Our circle of friends cannot be so large here as in the city; but we may find compensation in closer attachments.”

“I will say to my mother and sisters, that they may expect to see you to-morrow,” And Mr. Willet looked from face to face.

“Yes; we will ride over to-morrow,” said Mrs. Markland.

“And you, also, Miss Markland.”  The courteous manner in which this was said quite won the heart of Aunt Grace, and she replied that she would give herself that pleasure.

Mr. Willet sat for an hour, during which time he conversed in the most agreeable and intelligent manner; and, on retiring, left behind him a very favourable impression.

“I like that man,” said Aunt Grace, with an emphasis that caused Mrs. Markland to look toward her and smile.

“That’s a little remarkable.  You are not very apt to like men at first sight.”

“I like him, for he’s a true man and a gentleman,” returned Aunt Grace.  “And true men, I think, are scarce articles.”

“Ever hasty in your conclusions, whether favourable or unfavourable,” said Mrs. Markland.

“And rarely in error.  You may add that,” replied the sister-in-law, confidently.  “When Mr. Lyon darkened our doors,”—­Fanny was passing from the room, and Aunt Grace spoke in a guarded voice—­“I said he would leave a shadow behind him, and so he has.  Was my judgment hasty, so far as he was concerned?  I think you will hardly say so.  But, my word for it, the presence of Mr. Willet will ever bring a gleam of sunshine.  I am glad he has come into our neighbourhood.  If his mother and sisters are like him, they are a company of choice spirits.”

CHAPTER XXIV.

To the opinion of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Markland made no dissent.  She was, also, favourably impressed with Mr. Willet, and looked forward with pleasure to making the acquaintance of his mother and sisters.

On the following morning the carriage was ordered, and about eleven o’clock Mrs. Markland, Aunt Grace, and Fanny, were driven over to “Sweetbrier,” the fanciful name which Mr. Ashton, the former owner, had given to the beautiful seat, now the property of Mr. Willet.

The day was cloudless, the air cool and transparent, the sky of the deepest cerulean.  These mirrored themselves in the spirits of our little party.  Mrs. Markland looked calm and cheerful; Fanny’s thoughts were drawn out of herself, and her heart responded to the visible beauty around her.  Even Aunt Grace talked of the sky, the trees, and the flowers, and saw a new charm in every thing.

“I presume we shall not meet Mr. Willet,” she remarked, as the carriage drove within the elegant grounds of their neighbour.