end of the hall was the picture of the founder of the castle, and at the other the grand stair-case, whose sides were covered with historical pictures reaching to the ceiling.
The old domestics of the chateau were here assembled to welcome the return of their lady; and their delight at seeing her was a convincing proof, if such a one had been wanting, of her goodness. She addressed them all kindly and severally, nor betrayed the least impatience at their tedious enquiries. She then led Madeline into a large parlour, where she embraced and welcomed her to the chateau, which she desired her in future to consider as her home. Coffee was immediately brought in, and the house-keeper soon after followed; presuming on her superiority over the rest of the servants, she had come in to hear and relate all that had happened since her lady's departure; she was a little woman, almost double with age, and neat even to preciseness. The Countess, who esteemed her from
