Chapter X.

philanthropist . Before , he thought himself an Ishmaelite ; now , he smiled on all mankind as his friends . Such an influence has soft , tender-hearted , loving , woman over the sterner sex . She has them completely under her control , and a wish or a gesture is a law or command . Trul y a wonderful power ( and not to be despised ) , wielded by a most sympathetic nature . Arthur ' s revived love for Olivia was full of more tender regardfondness ,

, and admiration , than ever his first impulsive passion . His heart hacl never been estranged from her , but always filled with an eager yearning for her return , and now the time had arrived and both were happy in their increased mutual attachment . Three years of miserable uncertain waiting hacl only heightened their bliss . Why should stupid blundering have prevented all this from happening

before , thus causing much agony of heart to both of thorn ? Perhaps it was better so , though it was hard to see it . Anyhow , Olivia was soon restored her lightheadedness , and cheerily laughed and sang as she went about the house . Even her pet playmate , Carlo , noticed the difference , and . wagged his tail with unwonted p leasure . Mr . ancl Mrs . Phane were glad , too , that Olivia was once more happy ancl cheerful .

As for Arthur , his landlady wondered what had taken possession of him and altered him . She could not help remarking in her familiar but still deferent way"You seem strange and gay to-day , sir . " " Yes , I feel quite jolly and well , Mrs . Chatwind ; these eggs of yours are splendid , and I ' ve an appetite for anything this morning . Will you bring me some more toast , please ? you brown it to a turn . "

" Why , what a change has come over you , Mr . Humberton ; excuse my frankness , sir , but I ' m real glad to see it ; you do really look well . If I might make so bold now ( ancl I hope as you wont be offended at my plainspokenness , for you know I mean well , and I ' m ri ght clown glad to see you so improved ) , but if I might make so bold , I lay there ' s a young lady at the bottom of it all , Aren't I rig ht now ? Of course , I wouldn't have said so much to anybody , but

then I've taken a great likins to you ( excuse my freedom , sir ) , and I know you won ' t take wrong what I say , " said Mrs . Chatwind , arranging and moving the articles on the table as an excuse for talking . " It ' s very good of you to take an interest in my welfare , Mrs . Chatwind ; and perhaps you ' re not far wrong about the young lady , " replied Arthur in an amused ancl leased tone .

p " I ' m sure I ' m not ; I knew I was right . Why , bless your heart , I ' ve seen lots and lots in the same way about their sweethearts , but it all came right in the end—at least generally ; ancl I know you ' re not that proud as some are , that wont let an old woman speak when she ' s pleased , and if so be that it ' s that nice young lady I saw at the end of the pantomime , with the beautiful fair hair ( I could tell I was riht ) I'm sure you'll be happy ; she is as sweet

g , a looking creature ( begging your pardon , sir , ) as ever I saw , and I ' m certain you'll make her happy . You'll make a very suitable match , sir , ancl you were always a steady-going sort , sir , and ( if I may make so bold ) I hope you will soon be married . " " Thank you , Mrs . Chatwind , you are very kind to say so , " said Arthur , quietly smiling , aud wondering how long she would talk .

" I ' m sure I wish you all happiness , sir . But I must go and get your toast ready , for I see you ' re waiting . It ' s very good of you to praise it so , though I know no one can make it like myself , which I can say without boasting , for I've always been considered clever at anything of the sort ever since I was little . I had a good mother , Mr . Humberton , aud she saw that I did all for the best , and I can thank her that I know what little bit I do . A good mother ' s a blessing , sir , —oh , but I forgot , sir , your poor mother is gone to heaven , excuse me speaking about her , " said the loquacious Mrs . Chatwind ,