THROUGH THE FURNACE.

Book the First.

MARTHA'S STORY.

CHAPTER V.

LAWRENCE ANNESLEY'S TRIAL.

WE did not separate until four o'clock, when my cousin and his companions returned to the little village, where they had left Miss Annesley's pony carriage, while Sophy and I walked homewards across the grassy downs; but before we parted the Aylmers insisted upon our promising to dine at Colethorpe with my uncle on an early day.

Of course Sophy and I talked of our new acquaintance. We, who so rarely saw a strange face, had a great deal to say about these three faces-all rich in character and individuality.

"And how do you like Bernard's friend, Sophy?" I asked, when we had fully discussed the manners and dresses of the two ladies.

My sister smiled, and shrugged her shoulders with a careless gesture. I discovered afterwards that the tone which Lawrence Annesley took about himself was a tone that other people assumed almost unconsciously when they spoke of him—half contemptuous, half good-natured.

"I don't think any one could dislike him," answered Sophy; "he has a way of talking that sounds almost wicked, but one sees at once that words have not the same value for him as for other people. And then, after being shocked, one begins to be amused by him. Yes, I really think I like him, Patty; he is so very good-tempered." "Good-looking too?"

"Yes, I suppose he is good-looking. But I think it is the expression of his face that is so agreeable ;-such a bright, boyish look, and so full of variety."

Ah me! a little shivering pain thrilled through my heart as my sister said this. "So full of variety!" I knew now the secret of the shadowy likeness between those two faces,-it was the changeful expression, the want of earnestness, the lack of that one steady look which takes its light from within and not from without; the look of a man or woman who holds in himself or herself the power to