Perhaps," said Miss Ainslie, "you have hardly accustomed yourself to look upon a new

FROM VIENNA.

Helen came to Cedar Lawn on Tuesday, prepared to discuss with us all the deficiencies of her education, and to claim our aid in planning how best to remedy them. "I have spoken,' she said, "with my grandfather about the desire I have to give as much time as possible to study; and he has been very kind about it and has promised Mrs. Cargill shall have more assistance in the kitchen, so that she may resume charge of some affairs that of late years have been under my care."

"Mr. Wainwright has no idea of your having a maid for your own special attendance?" asked Miss Ainslie.

"Oh, no," Helen replied. "I should never think of asking it."

You need

"Some one else did, though." "Did Mr.” Helen stopped. "Yes, it was Mr. Mainwaring. not fear to mention his name in this room. spoke of it to papa while on the way to the railway station."

He

Helen shook her head-"I am afraid it is quite out of the question. Indeed I cannot say I wish it, especially as I have such a secret to keep."

66

Papa saw the same objection, and Mr. Mainwaring agreed it was a serious one. However, that is a matter which may well be deferred. Do you think Mr. Wainwright would allow you two or three months in London or Liverpool for the sake of masters?"

Helen shook her head again. "He will not let me leave him, I am sure, for more than a day or two, and that but seldom. Besides, it would be very expensive, would it not?"

"I was much afraid," said Harriet," that the old gentleman would not part with you. We must do the best we can. As for expense, we have carte blanche from Mr. Mainwaring to supply you with all that is requisite for your education."

"But I thought," said Helen, hesitatingly"I did not expect that Mr. Mainwaring was to be at any expense about me yet ?"

stand the state of affairs in respect to money matters. I will try and explain them. Mr. Mainwaring's estate at the time it devolved upon him was worth about fifteen hundred a year, but there was an annuity of eight hundred chargeable thereon during his mother's life. The death of a trustee threw the power into Lady Arabella's hands, and by bad management and extravagance she has so reduced the property that all now remaining is the family mansion with its grounds, and a small farm attached. This, too, must have gone, if Mr. Wainwright had not come forward. Fortunately the place suits a distant connection of the family as a residence, and he pays a rental of five hundred a year. A person with whom Lady Arabella had considerable money dealings has shown a great desire to be possessed of this property. He bought up all the debts he could, till he had become very nearly sole creditor. Mr. Wainwright having redeemed this estate by your dowry, Mr. Mainwaring, for his part, has settled it upon you, subject, however, to an annuity, amounting to half the proceeds, to his mother for life. In default of heirs it devolves entirely upon you."

This settlement is the more necessary because Mr. Wainwright may live to change his mind about making you his heiress. By some transactions with her brother Lord Cardington, Lady Arabella has secured a home with him, but some money is necessary for her other expenses. Say then that Mr. Mainwaring continues to receive five hundred a year from his estate, and gives half that amount to his mother, there remains two hundred and fifty for other requirements."

"What amount has Mr. Mainwaring been accustomed to spend himself?"

"I fear you will be shocked to hear he has been spending at the rate of seven hundred a year, in fact up to his supposed income. Lady Arabella kept him in the dark, expecting a large fortune to devolve upon him from her uncle Mr. Charles Shuttleworth."

"Then how will he manage on two hundred and fifty?"