Her kingdom

"The vividly human and moving story of Rowena and her wonderful power of influence in the lives of others will do every one good to read. Charmingly told in Amy Le Feuvre's best manner."—Northants Evening Telegraph.

A Girl and Her Ways

"Miss Le Feuvre writes with much charm and insight of the escapades of a modern girl who is fortunately possessed of the right spirit that enables her to overcome her difficulties."—The Record.

Jock's Inheritance

"Miss Le Feuvre has never written anything more beautiful or more amusing. The tone is as usual, excellent, and the story cannot fail to interest one and all."—Church of England Newspaper.

Noel's Christmas Tree

"Miss Le Feuvre has a classic style, and seems to be able to pierce straight into the heart of human beings. It is a humane book, written by a brilliant novelist."—Cornish Echo.

Adrienne

"The story of a really unselfish girl, touchingly and beautifully told."—Country Life.

"The story of Adrienne is delightful and particularly touching, and the author is to be heartily congratulated on evolving such a magnificent story."—Cornish Echo.

CONTENTS

BOOK I

STRANGERS

CHAP.

I. AN ASTOUNDING PROPOSAL

II. THE STRANGE MARRIAGE

III. MAKING FRIENDS

IV. LEFT TO HERSELF

V. THE FIRST SUNDAY

VI. A RAMBLE IN THE FELLS

VII. SLOWLY GAINING GROUND

VIII. A LONELY GIRL

IX. LOUISE'S DEPARTURE

BOOK II

FRIENDS

I. MISSING

II. THE "BEST OF THE BARGAIN"

III. AWAY FROM HOME

IV. NEIGHBOURS

V. FIRESIDE TALKS

VI. AN ERRAND OF MERCY

VII. OFF ONCE MORE

VIII. AN ENCOUNTER IN THE FELLS

BOOK III

LOVERS

I. "I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT YOU"

II. RECONCILIATION

III. IN THE SHADOWS

HER KINGDOM

BOOK I

STRANGERS

CHAPTER I

AN ASTOUNDING PROPOSAL

THE family lawyer had left her; she had listened with tightened lips, as through a labyrinth of legal phrases, he had informed her that she could only count upon five-and-twenty pounds per annum to feed, clothe, and provide for herself a roof to shelter her. She found herself smiling at the very absurdity of it. For six-and-twenty years she had lived in ease and comfort, almost in luxury. She had read in books about these reverses, but never had she imagined that they would come to her. She had not been educated for adversity, and she knew that not for a moment could she compete with the hundreds of trained certificated women who were flooding the labour markets throughout the country.

Anstice Barrett had lived for the greater part of her life in a country village in Norfolk. Her father had retired from the Army when he came into his small property, and when he was only a major in rank. He had foolishly commuted his pay, as the old house wanted more repairing than he could afford at the time; and he married late in life. Anstice had been brought up by resident governesses, and when, at sixteen, her mother died, she had quietly assumed the reins of government and become mistress of the sweet old manor house.

Unknown to her, Major Barrett, when difficulties arose, had purchased a life annuity for himself. He never thought of his girl's future. Whilst he lived, he had all the comforts he needed. Even through the War, when his ill-health prevented him from taking any part in it, there was little lack of all simple necessaries of life. He had the old-fashioned idea that women could not understand or handle money, and Anstice was kept in absolute ignorance of her father's exact income. At his death, she was suddenly and overwhelmingly enlightened. The manor house was mortgaged up to the hilt. Major Barrett had been in the hands of moneylenders for the previous five years, and the only thing that was preserved from the wreck was a small sum belonging to Anstice's mother in trust for her.