[Illustration: Started off through the first figure. ] AUNT JUDITH The Story of a Loving Life BY GRACE BEAUMONT THOMAS NELSON AND SONS LONDON, EDINBURGH, DUBLIN, AND NEW YORK Published 1888, 1910 CONTENTS. I. A School-girl Quarrel II. Aunt Judith III. Will You have Me for a Friend? IV. A Talk with Aunt Judith V. A Fallen Queen VI. Winnie's Home VII. An Afternoon at Dingle Cottage VIII. Forging the First Link IX. The Christmas Party X. Gathering Clouds XI. It is so hard to say Good-bye XII. I always speak as I think XIII. Our Sailor Boy XIV. The Prize Essay XV. How shall I live through the long, long years? XVI. Light in Darkness XVII. I shall learn to be good now XVIII. Conclusion LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Started off through the first figure . . . . . . _Frontispiece_ "Will you have me for a friend?" A prostrate figure with white, upturned face The eyes, wide open, were fixed on the sheets of manuscript before her AUNT JUDITH. CHAPTER I. A SCHOOL-GIRL QUARREL. "Girls, girls, I've news for you!" cried Winnifred Blake, entering theschool-room and surveying the faces of her school-mates with greateagerness. Luncheon hour was almost over, and the pupils belonging to Mrs. Elder'sSelect Establishment for Young Ladies were gathered together in thelarge school-room, some enjoying a merry chat, others, more studiouslyinclined, conning over a forthcoming lesson. "Give us the benefit of your news quickly, Winnie, " said Ada Irvine, looking round from her snug seat on the broad window-ledge; "surely wemust be going to hear something wonderful when _you_ are so excited;"and the girl eyed her animated school-fellow half scornfully. "A new pupil is coming, " announced Winnie with an air of greatsolemnity. "Be patient, my friends, and I'll tell you how I know. Dinner being earlier to-day, I managed to get back to school soonerthan usual, and was just crossing the hall to join you all in theschool-room, when the drawing-room door opened, and Mrs. Elderappeared, accompanied by a lady in a long loose cloak and hugebonnet--regular coal-scuttle affair, girls; so large, in fact, that itwas quite impossible to get a glimpse of her face. Mrs. Elder wassaying as I passed, 'I shall expect your niece to-morrow morning, MissLatimer, at nine o'clock; and trust she will prosecute her studies withall diligence, and prove a credit to the school. '" Winnie mimicked thelady-principal's soft, plausible voice as she spoke. "A new pupil!" remarked Ada once more, her voice raised in supremecontempt; "really, Winnie, I fail to understand your excitement oversuch a trifle. Why, she may be a green-grocer's daughter for all youknow to the contrary;" and the speaker's dainty nose was turned up witha gesture of infinite scorn. "Well, and what then, Miss Conceit?" retorted Winnie, flushing angrilyat her school-mate's contemptuous tone; "I presume a green-grocer'sdaughter is not exempted from possessing the same talented abilitieswhich characterize your charming self. " "Certainly not, " replied the other with the same quiet ring of scorn inher voice; "but, pray, who would associate with a green-grocer'sdaughter? Most assuredly not I. My mother is very particular withregard to the circle in which I move. " Winnie swept a graceful courtesy. "Allow me to express my deep sense of obligation, " she said mockingly, "at the honour conferred on my unworthy self by your attemptedpatronage and esteem. " Then, changing her tone and raising her littlehead proudly--"Ada Irvine, I am ashamed of you--your pride isinsufferable; and my heartiest wish is that some day you may be lookeddown upon and viewed with the supreme contempt you now bestow on thoselower (most unfortunately) in the social scale than yourself. " "Thanks for your amiable wish, " was the answer, given in that easy, tranquil voice which the owner well knew irritated her adversary morethan the fiercest burst of passion would have done; "but I am afraidthere is little likelihood of its ever being realized. " Winnie elevated her eyebrows. "Is that your opinion?" she said inaffected surprise, while the other school-girls gathered round, tittering at the caustic little tongue. "I suppose you study thepoets, Miss Irvine; and if so, doubtless you will remember who it isthat says:-- 'Oh wad some power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!'" The mischievous child stopped for a second, and then continued: "I amafraid you look at yourself and your various charms throughrose-coloured spectacles, certainly not with 'a jaundiced eye;'--but Ibeg your pardon; were you about to speak?" and Winnie looked innocentlyinto the fair face of her antagonist, which was now white and set withpassion. The blue eyes were flashing with an angry light, the pretty lipstrembling, and the smooth brow knit in a heavy frown; but only for afew moments. By-and-by the features relaxed their fixed and stonygaze; the countenance resumed its usual haughty expression; and, lifting up the book which was lying on her lap, Ada opened it at therequired page, and ended the discussion by saying, "I shall consider itmy duty to inform Mrs. Elder of your charming sentiments; in themeantime, kindly excuse me from continuing such highly edifyingconversation. " With that she bent her head over the French grammar, and soon appeared thoroughly engrossed in the conjugation of the verb_avoir_, to have, while her mischievous school-mate turned away with alight shrug of her pretty shoulders. Winnifred Blake, the youngest daughter of a wealthy, influentialgentleman, was a bright, happy girl of about fourteen years, with akind, generous heart, and warm, impulsive nature. Being small andslight in stature, she seemed to all appearance a mere child; and thequaint, gipsy face peeping from beneath a mass of shaggy, tangled curlsshowed a pair of large laughter-loving eyes and a mischievous littlemouth. Was she clever? Well, that still remained to be seen. Certainly, the bright, intelligent countenance gave no indication of a slow understanding andfeeble brain; but Winnie hated study, and consequently was usually tobe found adorning the foot of the class. "It is deliciouslycomfortable here, girls, " she would say to her school-mates when eventhey protested against such continual indolence; "you see I am near thefire, and that is a consideration in the cold, wintry days, I assureyou. Don't annoy yourselves over my shortcomings. Lazy, selfishpeople always get on in the world;" and speaking thus, the incorrigiblechild would nestle back in her lowly seat with an air of the utmostsatisfaction. Ada Irvine smiled in supreme contempt over what she termed Winnie'sstupidity, and would repeat her own perfectly-learned lesson withadditional triumph in her tone; but the faultless repetition by nomeans disconcerted her lazy school-mate, who was often heard to say, with seeming simplicity, "I could do just as well if I chose; but thenI don't choose, and that, you see, makes all the difference. " Ada Irvine was an only child, and her parents having gone abroad in the(alas, how often vain!) search after health, had left her with Mrs. Elder, to whose care she was intrusted with every charge for hercomfort and advantage--a charge which that young lady took great careshould be amply fulfilled. She was only six months older than Winnie, but very tall, and already giving the promise of great beauty in afteryears. Talented and brilliant also, she held a powerful sway over theminds and actions of her schoolmates, and queened in the school rightroyally; but the cold, haughty pride which marred her nature failed tomake her such a general favourite as her fiery, little adversary. In the afternoon, when the school was being dismissed for the day, Adasought the presence of the lady-principal; and consequently, just asWinnie was strapping up her books preparatory to going home, a servantappeared in the dressing-room summoning Miss Blake to Mrs. Elder'ssanctum. "Now you're in for it, Winnie, " said the girls pityingly; "Ada has keptto her word and told. How mean!" But the child only tossed her curlyhead, and with slightly heightened colour followed the maid to thecomfortable parlour where the lady-principal was usually to be found. Mrs. Elder, seated by a small fire which burned brightly in the shininggrate, turned a face expressive of the most severe displeasure on thedefiant little culprit as she entered; while Ada, standing slightly inthe shadow of the window-curtain, looked at the victim haughtily, andshaped her lips in a malicious smile at the lady-principal's openingwords. "I presume you are aware of my reason for requesting your presencehere, Miss Blake, " she began in icy tones; "and I trust you have comebefore me sincerely penitent for your fault. I cannot express insufficiently strong terms the displeasure I feel at your shamefulconduct this afternoon. I never thought a pupil of this establishmentcould be guilty of such unlady-like language as fell from your lips, and it grieves me to know that I have in my school a young girl capableof cherishing the evil spirit of animosity against a fellow-creature. What have you to say in defence of your conduct? Can you vindicate itin any way, or shall I take your silence as full confession of yourguilt?" Winnie pressed her lips tightly together, but did not speak. "I neednot attempt to clear myself, " she mentally decided. "Ada will havecoloured our quarrel to suit herself, and being Mrs. Elder's favourite, her word will be relied on before mine; that has been the case before, and will be so again. " The lady-principal, however, mistook the continued silence forconscious guilt. "Then I demand that an ample apology be made to Miss Irvine now, in mypresence, " she said once more in frigid tones. "Come, Miss Blake; mytime is too precious to be trifled with. " Winnie's eyes sparkled, and raising her small head defiantly, shereplied, "I decline to apologize, Mrs. Elder. I only spoke as Ithought, and am quite prepared to say the same again if occasionoffers. Miss Irvine knows my words, if distasteful, were but too true. " The lady-principal gasped. "Miss Blake, " she cried at length, horrified at the bold assertion, and endeavouring to quail heraudacious pupil with one stern, withering glance, "this is dreadful!"But the angry child only pouted, and repeated doggedly, "It is quitetrue. " Then Mrs. Elder rose, and laying her hand firmly on Winnie's shoulder, said quietly, but with an awful meaning underlying her words, "Apologize at once, Miss Blake, or I shall resort to stronger measures, and also complain to your parents"--a threat which terrified theunwilling girl into submission. Going forward with flushed cheeks and mutinous mouth, she stood beforethe triumphant Ada, and said sullenly, "Please accept my apology forunlady-like language, Miss Irvine. I am sorry I should have degradedmyself and spoken as I did, but" (and here a mischievous light sweptthe gloomy cloud from the piquant face and lit it up with an elfishsmile) "you provoked me, and I am very outspoken. " Ada coloured with anger and vexation; and in spite of her displeasure, Mrs. Elder found it difficult to repress a smile. "That will do, " she pronounced coldly; "such an apology is only addinginsult to injury. You will kindly write out twenty times four pages ofFrench vocabulary, and also remain at the foot of all your classesduring the next fortnight. Go! I am greatly displeased with you, MissBlake;" and as the lady-principal waved her hand in token of dismissal, she frowned angrily, and looked both mortified and indignant. Winnie required no second bidding. She drew her slight figure up toits full height, made her exit with all the dignity of an offendedqueen, entered the now deserted dressing-room, and seizing her books, hurried from the school, and was soon running rapidly down the busystreet. "Hallo, Win! what's the row? One would think you had stolen thegiant's seven-league boots, " cried a voice from behind. "Did ever Isee a girl dashing along at such a rate!" And turning round, Winniesaw before her a tall, strapping boy, whose honest, freckled face, illumined by a broad, friendly grin, shone brightly on her from under ashock of fiery red hair. "I'll bet I know without your telling me, " he continued, coming to herside and removing his heavy load of books from one shoulder to theother. "Been quarrelling with the lovely Ada, eh?" and he glancedkindly at the little figure by his side. Winnie laughed slightly. "You're about right, Dick, " she replied. "There has been a cat-and-dog fight; only this time the cat's velvetypaws scratched the poor little dog and wounded it sorely. " "Ah! you went at it tooth and nail, I suppose, " Dick saidphilosophically; "pity you girls can't indulge in a regular stand-upfight. " And the wild boy began to brandish his arms about as if hewould thoroughly enjoy commencing there and then. The quick flush of temper was over now, and the girl's eyes gleamedmischievously as she replied, "I've a weapon of my own, Dick, fully aspowerful as yours. I'll use my tongue;" and the audacious little minxsmiled saucily into her brother's honest face. A hearty roar greeted her words, and Dick almost choked before hemanaged to say, "Go it, Win; I'll back you up. Commend me to a woman'stongue!" And the boy, unable to control his risible faculties, burstinto a hearty laugh, which died away in a chuckle of genuine merriment. Richard Blake, or Dick (the name by which he was generally called) wasWinnie's favourite brother, and she almost idolized the big, kindlyfellow, on whom the other members of the family showered ridicule andcontempt. He was a bluff, outspoken lad, with a brave, true heart astender and pitiful as a woman's; but, lacking both the capacity for andinclination to study, he by no means proved a brilliant scholar, andthus brought down on himself the censure of his masters and the heavydispleasure of his father. "Hard words break no bones. I daresay Ishall manage through the world somehow, " he would say after havingreceived some cutting remark from an elder brother or sister; andWinnie, always his stanch friend and advocate, would nod her sunny headand prophesy confidently, "We shall be proud of you yet, Dick. " In the meantime they sauntered along, swinging their books and chattinggaily, till a turn in the road brought them to a quiet square wherehandsome dwelling-houses faced each other in sombre grandeur. "No. 3 Victoria Square--this way, miss, " said Dick, mounting the stepsand ringing the bell violently. "What a boy you are!" laughed Winnie, following, and giving herbrother's rough coat a mischievous pull. "Whenever will you learnsense, Dick?" Then the door opened, and with glad young hearts brotherand sister entered their comfortable home. CHAPTER II. AUNT JUDITH. The October night closed in dark and wild. The wind, rising in fiercegusts, swept along the streets with relentless fury, whirling the canson the roofs of the houses, and whistling down the chimneys withrelentless roar; passers-by drew up the collars of their coats and benttheir faces under the pitiless blast; while the rain, falling with itsmonotonous splash, splash, added to the gloom and rawness of the night. Up and down the platform of one of the principal stations in the town alady paced, every now and then peering into the murky darkness, orwaylaying a passing porter to ask when the down-train was due. She wastall and slender, but the huge bonnet and thick veil which she wore soeffectually concealed her face that it was impossible to make outwhether she was young or old. At last a whistle and the loud ringing of the bell proclaimed that thetrain was close at hand, and in all the glory of its powerful mechanismthe great locomotive swept into the busy station. The lady, steppingnearer the edge of the platform, gazed into the windows of thecarriages as the train passed, slackening speed; then with a quickgesture of recognition went forward and turned the handle of one of thedoors at which a young girl was standing looking wistfully on the manyfaces hurrying by. "Nellie Latimer, I am sure, " she said in a kindvoice; "'tis a dreary night to bid you welcome. I am your Aunt Judith, dear, " and assisting the girl out of the carriage, she lifted her veilfor a single moment and laid a kiss on the fresh, young cheek. "Whathave you in the way of luggage? One trunk. Well, stand here while Igo and find it, " saying which she glided away and was lost to view inthe bustling crowd. In a few moments she returned, followed by aporter bearing the modest, black box; and bidding the young travellercome with her, left the platform, hailed a cab, and was soon drivingwith her tired charge along the wet streets. Aunt Judith gazed at the lonely little figure sitting so quietly facingher, and mentally deciding that, wearied out and home-sick, the childwould naturally be disinclined for conversation, she leaned back on thecarriage cushion and fell into a long train of thought. Nellie Latimer was thankful for the silence. She had left her homeearly that morning for the purpose of wintering in town with her aunts, and, as it was the first flight from the parental nest, her heart wassore with grief and longing. She was the eldest daughter of Dr. Latimer, a poor country practitioner, whose practice brought him toolimited an income with which to meet the expenses of the large familyof hardy boys and girls growing up around him. He had sent Nellie tothe village school, and when she had mastered all the knowledge to begleaned there, endeavoured to instruct her himself; but he could illspare the time, and so hailed with feelings of the deepest gratitude aletter from his eldest sister offering to take Nellie and give her allthe advantages of a town education, "Let the child come, John, " shewrote in her simple, kindly style; "she will help to brighten thehearts of three old maids, and a young face will be a cheery sight inour quiet cottage home. She will have a thorough education, and weshall endeavour to bring her up so that she may be a fitting helpmateto her mother on her return home. " Dr. Latimer showed the letter tohis wife, who read it thankfully. "Your sister is a noble woman, John, " she said brokenly; "let us accept her offer, and may God blessher. " Thus it was that Nellie had left the home nest and come to live herlife in the busy town. She knew almost nothing about her aunts, andhad never seen them; for Dr. Latimer dwelt in a far-off countryvillage, and the distance from it to the city was very great. Thepostman would occasionally bring a letter, book, or paper to thedoctor; and every Christmas a hamper filled with choice meats and otherdainties would find its way to the house, showing that the youngnephews and nieces were not forgotten by the aunts they had never seen. Those "good fairies, " as the little children styled them, were three innumber: Aunt Judith, the bread-winner--though how, Nellie as yet didnot know; Aunt Debby, the Martha of the household, hard-working andpractical; and Aunt Margaret, an invalid, seldom able to leave hercouch. "I cannot tell you much about them, dear, " Mrs. Latimer had said onenight when talking with her eldest daughter over the coming parting. "They (meaning the aunts) were abroad on account of Aunt Margaret'shealth when I first met your father, and did not return home till sometime after our marriage. Aunt Margaret was not any better, and hadsettled down into invalid habits, requiring the constant attention andcare of both sisters. Aunt Judith spoke at one time of coming to spenda few days with us; but Aunt Margaret could not spare her, and so shenever came. Your father says Aunt Judith is a brave, true woman, andkeeps the little household together, besides the many kindnesses shebestows on us. I trust you will like your aunts, my child, and behappy with them, even though you are away from us all. " Nellie had been thinking all this over while the cab was quicklywhirling her along the now deserted thoroughfares, and so deeply hadher mind been occupied with these thoughts that she started inamazement when the driver drew up before the entrance of a smallcottage, and she saw a bright flood of light streaming out from thehastily opened door. "Here we are, dear, " said Aunt Judith's kind voice breaking in on herreverie; "this is your new home, and there is Aunt Debby waiting to bidyou welcome. Run! I shall follow you immediately. " Nellie, obeying, hurried up the little gravelled path, and reaching thedoor, found herself folded in Aunt Debby's motherly embrace, with AuntDebby's arms round her, and Aunt Debby's round, rosy face pressed closeto her own. "Dear, dear! to think I should be holding one of John's children to myheart, " said the good lady, wiping away an imaginary tear from hersoft, plump cheek. "There, come in, child, you are thrice welcome. How strange it all seems, to be sure;" and chatting away, Aunt Debbyled her weary niece into the cosy parlour, where the bright fire anddaintily spread table seemed to whisper of warmth and home comforts. "There, sit down, dear, and let me unfasten your cloak, " she continued, placing Nellie on a chair and proceeding to take off her hat with itswell soaked plume. "Dear heart! how the child resembles her father!John's very eyes and nose, I declare. Well, well, I'm getting an oldwoman, and the sight of this fresh, young face warns me of the passingyears. " "I think, Debby, you should show Nellie her room and let her refreshherself; there will be ample opportunity for talking to her later on, and the child is wearied with travelling. " Aunt Judith, who had just entered, said this in such a kind voice thatit was impossible to take offence, and Miss Deborah, raising herlittle, twinkling eyes to her sister's face, replied, "Ah! Judith, Ineed you to look after me still. --I have a sad tongue, my dear (toNellie), and am apt to chatter when I ought to be silent; come, let metake you to your room now, " and off trotted Aunt Debby with an air ofthe utmost importance. Nellie followed wearily up the tiny stair with its white matting, andthen paused in glad delight as her guide, throwing open a door on oneside of the landing, ushered her into a small room. It was simply andplainly furnished, as indeed was everything else in the house; but oh!the spotless purity of the snowy counterpane and pretty toilets. Thecurtains, looped back with crimson ribbon, fell to the ground ingraceful folds. Light sketches and illuminated texts adorned thedelicately tinted walls, and on a small table stood an antique vasefilled with fairest autumn flowers. "Are you pleased with your little bedroom, Nellie?" asked Aunt Debby, noting the girl's look of genuine admiration; "there's not much to beseen in the way of grandeur, but it's clean, " and practical MissDeborah emphasized her words by nodding her head vigorously. "Pleased, Aunt Debby! Why, everything is beautiful. I never had aroom all to myself before, and this one is simply lovely. How can Ithank you sufficiently for being so good to me?" and there were tearsin Nellie's eyes as she spoke. "Nonsense, my dear, " replied the kind woman in her brisk, cheery way;"we are only too pleased to have you with us, and trust you will behappy here;--now, if my tongue is not off again. There--not anotherword; wash your face and hands, child, then come down to the parlour, "and Aunt Debby hurried from the room. Nellie found the cold water very refreshing, and made her appearancedownstairs with a much brighter, cleaner countenance. She found MissDeborah already seated before the urn, sugaring the cups and addingcream with a very liberal hand; while Aunt Judith lay back on a lowrocking-chair looking dreamily into the glowing embers. Both startedas the girl entered, and Miss Latimer, rising, placed a chair beforethe table and bade Nellie be seated, patting her niece's head gently inher slow, kindly fashion, ere she sat down herself and prepared toattend to the young traveller's wants. Nellie, though tired and home-sick, felt very hungry, and did amplejustice to the savoury meal, greatly to Aunt Debby's delight; for thatgood lady had spared no pains, and had burnt her merry, plump face overthe fire, in order to make the supper a success. Neither aunt troubled her niece with questions, but each talked quietlyto the other; and thus left alone, as it were, Nellie found sufficienttime to study both faces, and jot down mentally her opinion of each atfirst sight. One glance at Miss Deborah's rounded contour andtwinkling eyes was quite enough; but Miss Latimer's peacefulcountenance fascinated the young girl, and seemed to hold herspell-bound. Yet, from a critical point of view, Aunt Judith's was nota pretty face. It was defective in colouring and outline, and therewere lines on the quiet brow and round the patient lips; but the lookin the eyes--Nellie never forgot that look all her life--it seemed asif Miss Latimer's very soul shone through those dark blue orbs, andrevealed the pure, spiritual nature of the woman. A keen physiognomistmight have traced the words "I have lived and suffered" in the calm, hushed face with its crown of silver-streaked hair; but Nellie, only asimple child, merely gazed and wondered what it was that made her thinkAunt Judith's the most beautiful face she had ever seen. "Now, dear, " said the object of her thoughts, smiling kindly andturning towards her when the dainty repast was over, "I think we shallsend you to bed, and after a good night's rest you will be refreshedand ready for school-work to-morrow. Don't trouble removing theplates, Debby; we shall have worship first, and that will free Nellie. " Aunt Debby rose from her chair, handed Miss Latimer the old familyBible, and placing a smaller one in Nellie's lap, reseated herself andwaited for Aunt Judith to begin. A chapter slowly and reverently read, a prayer perfect in its childlikesimplicity, then Miss Latimer laid a hand on her niece's shoulder andbade her "Good-night;" whilst Miss Deborah, lighting a candle, led theway as before, and after seeing she required no further service, treated the girl to a hearty embrace, and prepared to depart. "A good sleep, child. You'll see Aunt Meg tomorrow; this has been oneof her bad days, but I expect she will be much better in the morning. "These were Aunt Debby's last words, and she bustled away as if fearingto what extent her tongue might lead her. Nellie undressed, jumped into bed, and then, safely muffled under thewarm blankets, cried her homesickness out in the darkness. "O mother, mother, " she sobbed, "how I miss you! it is all so strange and lonely. What shall I do?" But even as she wailed in her young heart's anguish, the blankets were gently drawn aside, and a stream of light shiningdown revealed the flushed tear-stained face on the pillow, and showedAunt Judith's gentle form bending over the sobbing figure. "Nellie, " she said in that kind voice so peculiarly her own--"Nellie, my child, I was afraid of this;" and putting her arms round thetrembling girl, she drew the weary head to her breast, and smoothed thetangled hair with soothing touch. By-and-by the sobs became lessviolent, and when they had finally ceased Miss Latimer spoke, and herkind words were to the lonely heart as dew to the thirsty flowers. In after years Nellie found what a precious privilege it was to have atalk with Aunt Judith; and long after, when the brave, true heart hadceased to beat, and the quietly-folded hands spoke of a finished work, she drew from her treasured storehouse the blessed memory of wise, loving counsels, of grand, beautiful thoughts; and carrying them intoher daily life, endeavoured to make that life "one grand, sweet song. " CHAPTER III. WILL YOU HAVE ME FOR A FRIEND? "Late again! Winnifred Blake, I am ashamed of you; come, run as fastas you can;" and scolding herself vigorously, Winnie changed herleisurely step to a brisk trot which brought her to the schoolhousedoor exactly fifteen minutes after the hour. "Punishment exerciseyesterday, and fine to-day--how horrible!" she broke out again, entering the empty dressing-room and surveying the array of hats on thevarious pegs, all of which seemed to rebuke her tardiness. "Miss Smithwill purse up her lips, and utter some cutting sarcasm of course, but Idon't care, " and Winnie, kicking off her boots, pitched them--well, Idon't think she herself knew where. The jacket being next unfastened, she proceeded to divest herself of her hat, and pulled with suchviolence that the elastic snapped and struck her face severely. Winnie's temper (so Dick declared) resembled nothing so much as apop-gun, going off, as it were, with a great bang on the leastprovocation. Flinging the offending article to the other side of theroom, and addressing it in anything but complimentary terms, she pickedup her books, shook her shaggy mane over her face, and marched straightto the large class-room, where the girls were already busy over theirBible lesson. "Half-an-hour late, Miss Blake. You really are improving. Allow me toremind you of the fine, also of Mrs. Elder's instructions to take thelowest seat;" and Miss Smith, the senior governess, uttered the wordswith withering scorn. "Good-morning, " replied the culprit, hiding an angry little heart undera smiling exterior, and slipping her penny into the box on theteacher's desk; "my sleep was slightly broken last night, and that mademe late. " Here the girls tittered, and Miss Smith frowned. "Indeed, " shecommented haughtily; "pray, does your constitution require a statedinterval of so many hours for sleep _every_ night?" and the governesslaid special stress on the word "every. " "Well, perhaps not, " replied Winnie, coolly sitting down and proceedingto unfasten her books; "but I always indulge in an extra half hour if Iam disturbed in my slumbers. Broken rest tells sorely on my nervoussystem, and renders both myself and others miserable. " At this point some of the pupils laughed outright, and Miss Smith'sanger rose. "Silence!" she said, rising and tapping rapidly on the desk. "MissBlake, you are a disgrace to the school. Attend to your lesson, andlet me hear no more rude, impertinent language, or I shall punish youseverely, " and the governess treated Winnie to one glance of supremecontempt as she spoke. The child ground her little white teeth together as she gazed on theteacher's sour-faced visage and listened to the tones of herhigh-pitched voice. "Regular crab-apple, and as cross as two sticks, "she muttered, knitting her brow in an angry frown, but smoothing ithastily and calling up the necessary look of attention as Miss Smithcast a swift glance in her direction; "how I should like to tell herevery horrid thought in my heart concerning herself. She would beedified, " and at the bare idea Winnie shook so much with suppressedmerriment that the girl next her opened a pair of bright, hazel eyesand stared in amazement at the audacious child. The little mischief caught the look, and returning it with interestfound she was seated beside the new pupil whose advent had occasionedyesterday's quarrel. There was something very engaging in the frank, open countenance, and Winnie smiled pleasantly as she met theastonished gaze. "Am I very rude and disobedient?" she asked, or rather whisperedroguishly; "you look so shocked and amazed. Please, don't judge byfirst impressions; my bark is worse than my bite, and I can be a verygood girl when I choose. Self-praise is no honour, of course, and Iought to be silent with regard to my various perfections andimperfections; but if you wait patiently you will find out thatWinnifred Blake is a most eccentric character, and says and does whatno other person would say or do. " Nellie Latimer's astonishment increased as she gazed on this (to her)new specimen of humanity. What a dainty, fairy-like creature sheseemed, and what a mischievous gleam was lurking in the depths of thosegreat, shining eyes! Nellie felt quite awkward and commonplace in herpresence; however, she managed to say shyly, "I am afraid it is I whohave been rude staring at you so; but I did not mean any harm, only youare so different from the other girls. " Winnie gave her an admonishing touch. "Hush!" she whispered, "the raven is watching us. I mean Miss Smith, "as Nellie looked bewildered. "We call her that because she iseverlastingly croaking;" and here Winnie, leaning back on her seat, assumed an expression of childlike innocence and solemnity, andappeared to be thoroughly interested in the teacher's explanations. The lesson proceeded; slowly but surely the hands of the clock movedsteadily forward, and at last pointed to the hour, on which Miss Smith, rising, closed her book and dismissed the class with evident feelingsof relief. "Ten minutes' respite, then heigh-ho for a long spell of grammar, etc. , " cried Winnie, addressing Nellie as they passed into the hall. "You don't know your lessons to-day of course, and I am so well up inmine that I shall not be able to answer a single word; so come awaywith me to this quiet nook at the end of the passage and let us enjoy acosy talk. " The "quiet nook" referred to was a recess at the hall window, partitioned off by a drapery of tapestried curtains. It was afavourite resort of Winnie's, and here the wonderful thoughts, theoutbursts of passion, the mischievous plots and schemes, all found freecourse, and many a childish secret could those heavy folds of curtainhave told had they been gifted with tongues wherewith to speak. Dismissing the other school-fellows who were gathering round, andshooting a triumphant glance at Ada Irvine's haughty face, she halfdragged her amused but by no means unwilling companion to the sacredspot; and when both were comfortably perched on the window niche, shebegan eagerly, "Won't you tell me your name and where you live? I amcalled Winnifred Mary Blake. I have three big brothers, and a littleone; two sisters older than myself; a cross papa and proud step-mamma. We live about a mile from here--No. 3 Victoria Square--and I go home todinner every day during recess. " Having delivered this wonderfulannouncement in one breath, Winnie paused and waited for her companionto speak. Nellie smiled as she replied, -- "My name is Helen Latimer, and my home is far away in a countryvillage. I am staying, however, in town with my aunts at present, theylive in a small cottage in Broomhill Road. " "Broomhill Road!" echoed Winnie doubtfully; "that is not west, I fancy. " "Oh no, east; I have to take the 'bus, as it is too great a distance towalk daily. " "Not an aristocratic locality, " Winnie decided mentally, "and AdaIrvine getting hold of that little fact would use it as a means ofexquisite torture to this new girl's sensitive heart. Poor thing! shelooks so happy and blithe too. " Thinking such thoughts, themischievous child turned to her companion with a soft, pitying light inher eyes, and holding out a small flake of a hand, said gently, -- "We have not much time at our disposal just now, and I cannot say all Iwould wish; but you won't find it all plain sailing at school, Nellie, and you will be none the worse of having some one to stand by you, sowill you have me for a friend?" [Illustration: "Will you have me for a friend?"] The quaint gipsy face with its framework of wavy hair; the bright, sunny countenance and laughing lips; above all, the soft, childishvoice, charmed simple-hearted Nellie, who willingly grasped the handextended, with these words, "I shall be only too pleased indeed. " Sothe compact was sealed--a compact which remained unbroken through thelong months and years that followed. Time and adversity only served tostrengthen the bond, and the gray twilight of life found the friends ofchildhood's days friends still. "Hark to the bell! are you ready?" asked Winnie, stretching her lazylittle form and rising reluctantly from the cosy corner; "now for along, long lecture on subject and predicate, ugh! How I do hatelessons, to be sure;" and Miss Blake, parting the tapestried curtains, stepped along the hall with a very mutinous face. Nellie having come to school with the fixed determination to make themost of her time, prepared to listen to the master's instructions withall due attention; but Winnie's incessant fidgeting and yawning baffledevery attempt, and the ludicrous answers, given with tantalizingreadiness, almost upset her gravity, despite Mr. King's unconcealedvexation. "This is one of her provoking days, " whispered a girl, noting Nellie'spuzzled face; "she will tease and annoy each teacher as much aspossible all this afternoon---she always does so when in these moods. Do not think her stupid, Miss Latimer; as the French master often says, 'It is not lack of ability, but lack of application. ' She won'tlearn, " and Agnes Drummond, one of Winnie's stanchest allies, shook herhead admonishingly at the little dunce as she spoke; but a defiant poutof the rosy lips was the only answer vouchsafed to the friendlywarning, and the next moment an absurdly glaring error brought down onWinnie the righteous indignation of her irritated teacher, and resultedin solitary confinement during recess. Sitting alone in the large empty class-room, the poor child burst intoa flood of passionate tears. "It's too bad, " she cried rebelliously, wiping her wet eyes and flinging her book aside with contemptuoustouch. "There, I can't go home now, and we are to have jam pudding todinner. Dick will chuckle--horrid boy! and eat my share as well as hisown. I know he will, and I do so love those kind of puddings, especially when they are made with strawberry jam. Oh dear, how I envyAlexander Selkirk on his desert island! I am sure he never had anynasty old lessons to learn, and I think he was very stupid to grumbleover his solitude when he could do every day simply what he pleased. Well, if I must study, I must; so, here goes, " and, drawing thedespised grammar towards her once more, Winnie set herself steadily tomaster part of the contents. Meanwhile, Nellie, deprived of the companionship of her new friend, wasbeing sharply catechised by Ada Irvine as to her antecedents andgeneral history. The girl at first innocently replied to eachquestion; but after a time she resented the queries, and therebyincurred that young lady's haughty displeasure, and brought down onherself the sharp edge of Ada's sarcastic tongue. "Not much of a pedigree to boast about, girls, " was the final verdict, given with a slight curl of the lip, signifying unboundedcontempt, --"the grandfather on the one side a farmer, on the other adraper; the father a poor country doctor; three old maiden aunts livingin one of our commonest localities, keeping no servant, doing their ownwork, and dressing like Quakers. It's a wonder to hear Miss Latimerspeak without dropping her h's, or otherwise murdering the Queen'sEnglish, ha, ha!" and Miss Irvine shrugged her elegant shouldersscornfully. "Oh, come, Ada, that is going too far, " protested some of the girls, shocked at the rude words and the cool deliberate manner in which theywere said; but their insolent school-fellow silenced them with animpatient gesture, as she surveyed the flushed face of her victim andawaited a reply. Nellie felt both hurt and indignant. She had grown up in her quiet, country home, totally ignorant of the arrogancy and pride so muchabroad in the busy world; and coming to school with the expectancy offinding pleasant companions and friends, the words struck home to herheart with a chill. "How unkind you are!" she murmured, struggling to suppress the angrytears; "you have no right to speak so to me. My aunts are not rich, itis true, and cannot afford to dress so extravagantly as many; but thatdoes not prevent them from being perfect gentlewomen, does it? Yourown mother cannot be a more thorough lady than my Aunt Judith, I amsure. " "Is that so?" said Ada with mocking sarcasm, and the contempt in hervoice was indescribable. "What presumption! the lower classes arebeginning to look up, sure enough. " "Shame!" cried some of the girls standing near; "you are cruel, Ada. "But at that moment a slim hand touched Nellie's arm, and a merry voicesaid soothingly, "Never mind her, Nellie; we all know she is notresponsible for her statements at times. Her brain is a littledefective on one point, " and Winnie's great eyes shot a mischievousglance at Miss Irvine's haughty face. "May I ask the reason of your special interference just now?" inquiredAda, an angry flush deepening the rose-tint on her cheek; "possibly youwish yesterday's scene to be repeated over again. " "Oh dear, no, " answered Winnie brightly, "home-truths seldom needrepetition; they are not so easily forgotten. But Nellie is my friend, and I intend to fight her battles as well as my own. Please understandthat once for all, and remember at the same time with what metal youhave to deal. --Come, Nellie, I am free at last, " and the spiritedlittle creature led her weeping school-mate from the room. "Didn't I warn you not to expect plain sailing?" she continued with aknowing look; "and Ada Irvine is a perfect hurricane. She will swoopdown on you at every opportunity, and bluster and blow; but let heralone and never mind. " "I wish I had never left home, " replied Nellie, dashing her hand acrossher eyes and winking away the tear-drops vigorously. "How can girlssay such dreadful things? I can't bear them;" and a fresh burst ofgrief followed. "Phew!" cried Winnie, giving her an energetic shake, and knitting herbrow in a childish frown, "that's babyish. You'll strike on every rockand bend before each gale if you talk in such a fashion. Don't be afool, Nellie; pluck up some spirit, and show Ada Irvine you're aboveher contempt. " Winnie spoke as if possessed with all the wisdom of theancients, and gave due emphasis to every word. "She and I are alwaysat what Dick calls 'loggerheads, ' and I enjoy an occasional passage ofarms amazingly; only, sometimes I come off second on the field, andthat is not so pleasant. Now, " with a pretty coaxing air, "dry yourtears; the hour is almost up, and the bell will be ringing shortly. Ihate to see people crying, I do indeed, so please stop;" and Winnieeyed the tear-stained countenance of her friend with mingled sympathyand impatience. "I daresay I am very silly, " replied Nellie, wiping her eyes andscrubbing her wet cheeks with startling vehemence; "anyhow I'll stopnow. And thank you for taking my part, Winnie; you'll be a friendworth having, I am sure of that. " "Yes, " answered the young girl, a strange dreamy smile playing on herlips, and a soft look gleaming in the mischievous eyes, "I shall betrue as steel;" and Nellie never forgot the earnest light on thechildish face as Winnie made her simple vow. CHAPTER IV. A TALK WITH AUNT JUDITH. It was evening; the daily routine of work was over, and the time comefor resting and social enjoyment. The ruby curtains were closely drawnin the cosy parlour at Dingle Cottage; the flames leapt and danced inthe polished grate, and the soft lamplight fell with mellowing gleamaround. Click, click, went Aunt Debby's needles as she sat by the warmglow, knitting industriously; tick, tick, said the little clock, itspendulum swinging steadily to and fro. The cat purred in sleepycontent on the rug; and Aunt Judith's gentle voice fell soothingly onthe ear as she read some book aloud from her low seat by Aunt Meg'scouch. Nellie, curled up in the rocking-chair opposite Aunt Debby, rockedherself in lazy comfort, and gazed on her invalid relative with rathera doubtful expression of countenance. Her first impression of MissMargaret was certainly not favourable; for the girl, though not verykeen-sighted, saw how the pale pretty face was marred by lines ofpeevish discontent, and the brow continually puckered in a fretfulfrown. She was not old, Nellie decided--not much over thirty, at thevery most; but oh, how unlike Aunt Judith! What a contrast there wasbetwixt that listless, languid form on the sofa, and the quiet figureon the low chair near! Nellie turned with a positive sigh of relief torest her eyes on Miss Latimer's peaceful countenance and wonder at themarvellous calm that always brooded there. Every now and then some frivolous demand or complaint would come fromthe invalid--her pillows required shaking; the fire was too warm; thelamplight not sufficiently shaded; what a noise Aunt Debby's pins weremaking, and could Aunt Judith not read in a lower tone? Nellie wassurprised at Miss Latimer's good-humoured patience, and thoroughlyenjoyed Miss Deborah's occasional tart remarks, thrown out in sheerdesperation. "Well, Meg, you would provoke the temper of a saint, " she cried, twitching her wool so violently that the thread snapped, and the ballrolled under the table; "there you go grumbling from morning tillnight, in spite of every endeavour to make you comfortable. Yournurses have a hard time, I assure you, and are to be pitied sincerely. " Miss Margaret's eyes filled, and a flood of tears being imminent, MissLatimer strove to avert the torrent by saying, "Come, come, Debby; thatis strong language to use. You and I great healthy creatures do notknow what it is to be confined to a couch day after day, and sufferalmost constant pain. I should feel it very hard to be unable to goabout and walk in God's beautiful sunshine, and I think one cannot besufficiently tender and patient towards the sick and helpless. " "Mental pain is harder to bear than physical, " quoth practical MissDeborah, in no way convinced of her harshness by the gentle speech. "If one were to have one's choice, I reckon, " with strong Yankeeism, "aheadache would be chosen in preference to a heartache, " and Aunt Debbynodded her head knowingly. A white, set look crossed Aunt Judith's face, and a shadow crept intothe dark eyes; but they were gone in a moment, and Miss Latimer's lipswore their own sweet smile as she replied, "God grant you mayexperience little of either, Debby; but if you do, trust me you willfind that both bring the richest blessings in their train;" and AuntJudith's patient face shone with a glad light as she spoke. "Meg has failed to seize her blessings, then, " said Miss Deborahcomposedly. "No, no, Judith, you are a good woman, but you won'tconvince me that Margaret is justified in whining and grumbling to theextent she does. " "I need never look for sympathy from you, Debby, " broke in the invalidwith a low sob; "you are very hard-hearted, but the day will come whenall those cruel speeches will rise up and condemn you. " "When?" with provoking gravity. "When I am no longer here" (low sobs), "and the cold earth hides me forever from your sight. " "So let it be, " retaliated Miss Deborah, coolly proceeding to turn theheel of her stocking, and speaking quite placidly. "I shall rememberthe amount of exasperation I received when that day comes, and be ableto meet the condemnation with becoming fortitude. " "Debby, Debby, " said Miss Latimer's voice reprovingly; but the warningcame too late. A violent fit of hysterics ensued, and Miss Margaretwas borne to her room by the much-enduring sisters, whose services wereboth required to quell the outburst and settle her comfortably for thenight. Nellie, left alone in the snug parlour, drew her chair closer to thefire, and lifting the cat from its cosy bed on the rug, allowed it tocurl up comfortably on her lap. "What a fuss, " said the girl, shrugging her shoulders and gazing into the bright, glowing fire. "IfI were Aunt Meg, I should be positively ashamed of myself--peevish, cross thing that she is. What a contrast to Aunt Judith;" and hereNellie fell into a fit of musing, which lasted till Miss Deborah camein with the cloth for supper. "How is Aunt Meg now?" she inquired, watching Aunt Debby bustling abouton hospitable thoughts intent. "Is she better?" "Well, yes, " was the reply, given with a little twinkle of the eye;"and a good night's rest will work wonders. You must excuse your auntthis evening, Nellie; she is not always so fretful, and an invalid'slife has its hard times. " Miss Deborah spoke earnestly, for although she felt justified in sayinga sharp word herself, she could ill brook the idea of any onedisparaging or thinking lightly of her invalid sister. Nellie gave aslight nod of assent, which seemed to signify approval of Aunt Debby'swords. Nevertheless she retained her own opinion, and mentallycondemned poor Miss Margaret as being both weak and silly. Supper over, Miss Deborah retired to the kitchen, where her reign asqueen was undisputed, and Miss Latimer, bidding Nellie bring a smallstool and sit down at her feet, began to stroke the soft hair gently, and ask questions as to the day's proceedings. "Tell me your first impressions, dear child, " said the kind voicepleasantly; and the young girl, whose heart still ached at theremembrance of Ada Irvine's stinging words, poured forth the wholestory with a force and passion which astonished even herself. Aunt Judith listened quietly--so quietly, indeed, that Nellie felt halfashamed of her vehemence, and imagined she had been making "much adoabout nothing;" but in a few minutes Miss Latimer spoke, and her toneswere very tender as she said:--"So my little Nellie has learned thatschool is not the sunny place she fancied it was. Dear child, I thinkyour new friend gave you very good advice. Don't be a coward, Nellie, and allow your happiness to be marred by the insolent tongue of aspoilt girl. Show her a true lady is characterized, not by outwarddress and appearance, but by the innate beauty of heart and soul, andleave your quiet endurance and pleasant courtesy to speak forthemselves. Dear, it seems to me as if you were just beginning lifenow--as if you had but newly entered the lists, and were preparing forthat battle which we have all to fight in this world. The warfare isseldom, if ever, an easy one, and the little stings of everyday lifeare harder to bear than many a heavy trial; but you must determine tobe a brave, true soldier, Nellie, and make your life a grand, nobleone. You may say to me it is easy to speak, but difficult to act, which I readily grant; but, my child, although the acting may seemalmost impossible, we have one Friend ever able and willing to help us. If we choose Him in all sincerity of heart for our Captain, we need notfear to engage in the very thick of the fight. " Aunt Judith paused; and Nellie, seizing the gentle hand which wasstroking her head with tender touch, said, "You make me think of myfather, auntie; he speaks so often to us just as you are doing now. Every Sabbath evening, when the little ones are in bed, he gathers usround him; and after reading a portion of the Bible, he closes the bookand talks in the same way. Oh, I feel so strong and brave while Ilisten--I feel as if I could face the heaviest sorrow with all courage;but when Monday comes my good resolutions vanish, and I find myselfyielding and sinning as before. " The girl gazed straight at her aunt as she spoke, fearing to see a lookof disapprobation over her weakness; but Miss Latimer's face was ascalm as ever, only the eyes seemed softer and full of such a tender, loving light as she replied, -- "We have most of us the same story to tell, child, --a story of braveryso long as the battle is far off, but of cowardly shrinking when thetime for hand-to-hand conflict comes. Whilst the sunshine is allaround us and our hearts full of great gladness, we look up and thankthe good Father for his precious blessings, feeling nerved for thefiercest fight; but when the storm-clouds gather and the goldenbrightness is withdrawn, we bow before the blinding tempest and writheunder our pain, unless--and the kind voice spoke very softly--theMaster has our hearts in his own safe keeping, unless we have learnedto love his will. Then we can discern the bright stars of his loveshining through the darkness, and find that the apparently pitilessstorm has left diamond drops of blessing behind it. Never despair, Nellie; strive and pray for grace to follow in the Master's footsteps, and you will learn what a grand, noble thing the consecrated life is, and how truly worth living. You know those lines of Kingsley's, do younot?-- 'Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever; _Do_ noble things, not _dream_ them all day long; And so make life, death, and the vast forever, One grand sweet song. '" There was a long silence after this, during which Nellie thoughtdeeply, and Aunt Judith lay back in her chair with quietly-folded handsand a far-seeing look in her patient eyes. Then the girl saidearnestly, "Aunt Judith, I will try very hard to do my best, I willindeed; and oh, may I come to you when things go wrong, and I can't orwon't see the right way? It does me good to have a talk with you, andtakes half the home-sickness away. Say yes; please do, dear, dear, dear auntie;" and Nellie's voice sounded very earnest. "I shall be only too glad, my child, " replied Miss Latimer with herrare sweet smile. "Treat me as you would your own mother, dear, andlet me help you so far as I am able; only, Nellie, don't depend on yourown strength or my aid, but go straight to the Fountain-head, and findthe never-failing strength and grace for the needs of every day. " "Thank you, Aunt Judith, " was the fervent response; then Aunt Debbyentered, and the conversation ceased. Bedtime came. Nellie retired for the night; Miss Deborah 'followedsuit;' and Miss Latimer, extinguishing the light, crossed the tinyhall, and opening a door to the left, entered, and closed it softlybehind her. This, her private sanctum, was like the other apartments--small andplainly furnished, but with the same air of neatness and comfort. Abook-case lined one side of the room entirely; a small round tablestood close to the window, bright with autumn flowers; a larger one inthe centre of the room held a desk, and was strown with papers, magazines, etc. ; while soft chairs inviting one to luxurious ease facedthe ruddy hearth, and various little nick-nacks scattered here andthere showed the graceful touch of a woman's hand. Going to the centre table, Aunt Judith seated herself before the opendesk, looked over several closely-written sheets of manuscript, andthen furnishing herself with fresh paper, began to write rapidly. The fire burned slowly out, and the midnight hour had long sounded ereMiss Latimer dried her pen and laid aside her work with a tired sigh. Crossing to the window, she raised the blind, and leaning against thecasement, looked away up at the quiet night sky. There was no moon;but the happy stars, shining with frosty brightness, kept their silentwatch over the sleeping world. Oh, how still, how very hushed it was!what a great infinite peace seemed brooding over all--a peace such asmillions of weary souls were longing to possess; not a sound to beheard, not a ripple of unrest--only that wondrous calm. For a longtime Miss Latimer stood drinking in the sweetness and beauty of thenature-world, and letting her thoughts soar up, upwards to the greatFather of all, who neither slumbers nor sleeps. What those thoughtswere we do not know; but surely some of that vast peace must havestolen softly, silently, into her patient heart, for when she turnedaway and entered a tiny bedroom leading off from her sanctum, AuntJudith's face seemed as it were the face of an angel. CHAPTER V. A FALLEN QUEEN. Next morning Nellie set out for school in apparently the best ofspirits, returning Aunt Judith's encouraging smile with one as brightand hopeful, and shouting a merry farewell as she ran lightly down thegarden path and closed the little gate behind her. Arriving fully ten minutes before the hour, she found several of thegirls already assembled in the large class-room, gathered as usual inknots, and talking gaily to one another. "Good-morning, " said Agnes Drummond, coming forward and holding out herhand in a friendly manner. "You are going to be a punctual pupil, MissLatimer. " And the other scholars, not being overpowered as yet byAda's presence, nodded blithely and allowed their new school-mate tojoin in the general conversation. While girlish tongues were busy and the room was filled with the hum ofmerry voices, the great bell rang loudly, and at the same moment Winniecame rushing in, crying half breathlessly as she did so, "Just in time, girls; not a minute too soon. Good-morning, everybody. Do I look asif I had been having a good race?" and she turned her piquant faceround for a general survey. "A species of milk-maid bloom, " said Ada Irvine, catching the words asshe leisurely entered the room, "which makes you appear more suited toyour friend of the dairy-maid type;" and Miss Irvine looked insolentlyat Nellie's fresh bright face as she spoke. The soft tints on thesmooth, rounded cheek deepened, and the girl bit her lip hard to keepback the angry words. Not so Winnie, however. Turning a pair of great, serious eyes on herhaughty school-mate's fair, placid countenance, she said with an air ofprophetic solemnity, -- "Ada Irvine, you will yet be rewarded for all your contemptuousspeeches. Mark my words, and see if you don't get smashed up in arailway accident, or fall a victim to that delightfully disfiguringdisease--small-pox. Serve you right too. Every dog has its day: youare enjoying yours at present, and can say and do as you please;but--ugh! I'm disgusted at you, " and Winnie "tip-tilted" her littlenose with the most charming grace imaginable. Ada smiled loftily. "I would not be vulgar, if I were you, " she remarked calmly. "Isuppose you learn all those choice proverbs from your aristocraticbrother. Ah, there is Mrs. Elder coming to open the school. Do alteryour expression, my dear; you are regarding me with such loving eyes, Iam sure she will think you are too affectionate, " and Ada swept to herseat with a mocking laugh. The lessons commenced, and Nellie, thoroughly prepared, almost forgotthe morning's annoyance in the joy at finding herself slowly rising tothe head of the class, where Miss Irvine sat with all the dignity of anenthroned queen. Ten minutes' respite; then came the English, conducted by Mr. King, themost thorough and rigid master in the school. A question was asked--aquestion calculated to tax severely the skill and ingenuity of theactive brain. Ada hesitated for one moment, then made a fatal blunder;and Nellie, answering correctly, slipped quietly into the seat of thedeposed sovereign. Winnie's delight was indescribable. One triumphantglance after another flashed upwards to the fallen queen's angry face, and her bright eyes fairly danced with wicked joy when, at the close ofthe class, Mr. King said a few words of commendation on Miss Latimer'sabilities. "Nellie, Nellie! I'm proud of my friend to-day, She's a regular brick, and deserves any amount of hugging and petting. Oh joy, joy! how didyou manage it, dear? You have taken the wind out of Ada's sails andgained a feather in your cap, I can assure you. It all seems too goodto be true. The queen dethroned at last!" and Winnie catching Nellieround the waist, danced her up and down the schoolroom in a regularmadcap whirl. "You'll be late for dinner if you don't hurry home at once, Win, " saidone of the elder girls, crossing over to the fire and seating herselfby its cheery blaze with a tempting book and box of caramels. "There, run away and don't waste your precious time in speaking uncharitablewords, dear. Recess will soon be over;" and Elsie Drummond lookedkindly down on the little figure dancing before her with such evidentdelight. "I'm just going, " replied Winnie, stopping to bestow a smile on theelder girl's pleasant face. "But you can't understand why I am sohappy. You don't belong to our set, and therefore know very littleabout Ada's conceit and--yes, I shall say it--priggish ways. She'sjust as horrid as can be, and I hate her, " wound up the maliciousmonkey, quite reckless of the character of her language. "Agnes owns rather a sharp tongue, dear, and I hear many a tale fromher, " replied Elsie, referring to her younger sister; "but I think, Win, if you wish to be a true friend to Nellie, you will refrain fromexpressing your joy at her success too openly, at least in Ada'spresence. Such unconcealed delight will, believe me, dear, do moreharm than good. " "Oh, nonsense, Elsie, " was the impetuous reply. "I must sing and dancemy joy, it's such a splendid opportunity. Why shouldn't I crow overthe nasty proud thing? She needs somebody to ruffle her, and I can dothat part better than any one else in the school. --You don't mind myhaving a little fun, do you, Nellie? she's such a cross-patch, youknow. " Now, as was quite natural under the circumstances, Nellie did feel nota little elated over her success. It was a triumph certainly, andgirl-like she found it both palatable and pleasant to rejoice over afallen enemy. At the same time, however, she saw the force of MissDrummond's caution, and the wisdom of yielding to her advice, soturning to Winnie she answered gently, -- "Please say no more about it; it was all chance, and Ada may gain herold seat to-morrow again, though I mean to try to prevent her fromdoing so. " But the words were simply wasted on the incorrigible child, who resumedher fantastic war-dance as she replied, -- "No, no; I shall not make any false promise. I mean to be a true, loyal friend, Nell; but if a nice little malicious speech comes glidingsoftly to the very tip of my tongue, I must let the words out, otherwise there will be choking. Prepare then for sudden squalls, " andwith a mischievous laugh Winnie vanished from the room, and was soonrunning along the road in the direction of home. "The old story--late again, " said Dick, looking up from his well-filledplate as she entered and sat down opposite him at the table. "You'llnever have time to cram down cabinet pudding and tart to-day, I'll bebound;" and the boy grinned teasingly on the bright face before him. "Won't I, though?" answered Winnie, nodding her head blithely, andeying the contents of the plate brought to her by Jane the parlour-maidwith decided relish. "Don't imagine you'll get my share to-day, Dickyboy, for I'm as hungry as a hawk. I have something to tell you, however, so please listen;" and between mouthfuls she told in arambling style the story of Nellie's triumph and Ada's defeat, endingwith the following words, "Do you know, Dick, when I saw Ada sittingbelow Nellie and looking so crestfallen, I could have risen there andthen and danced for joy before her. Will you believe me, I felt soglad I could hardly restrain my feet till the hour was up, and wheneverliberty was proclaimed, didn't they go well at the Irish jig! Ohdear!" and Winnie's face was all aglow as she waited her brother'scommendatory remarks on such behaviour. Dick coughed, blew his nose violently, filled out some water into hisglass, quaffed the draught, cleared his throat, and then said gravely, "I'll tell you what to do, Win. This evening, after we have finishedstudying, I'll teach you a splendid double-shuffle which you willrehearse to-morrow (with added grace, of course, ) in front of thelovely Ada, and before all the class--Mr. King included. My eye, whatglorious fun!" and vulgar Dick looked across at his sister with beamingface. "I dare hardly attempt that, " she replied dolefully, "though I shoulddearly love doing so. But you see, Dick" (with energy), "Mrs. Elderdetests me so much, and I have been caught in so many faults lately, that such an awful one as you propose would prove fatal. Yourdelightful plan must be abandoned, I am sorry to say. " "Well, perhaps after all you are right, " replied the boy, changing histeasing tone into a serious one. "I daresay Miss Ada's rage would onlyincrease in fury if she saw you performing a triumph-dance andrejoicing so extravagantly over her defeat. I remember a few years agosomething of the same kind occurring in our school, and wasn't there ablow-up at the end! I was one of the little chaps then, but I managedto keep my eyes and ears open, and knew more about the whole affairthan any one guessed. " "Tell me the story, Dick, " interrupted Winnie, holding a spoonful oftart suspended betwixt her mouth and plate, and speaking eagerly; "do, there's a dear boy. " But Dick shook his shaggy head, and answered, -- "Not just now, Win. Our time is almost up. Finish your pudding, oldgirl, and let us away. By-the-by, don't expect me home till after fivethis afternoon;" and the boy's bright face clouded as he made thisstatement. "Why not?" was the inquiry. "We were going to have such splendid funtogether. Is there anything wrong?" "Kept in, " uttered in a growling tone. "Lessons as usual badlyprepared--denounced for my stupidity, and ordered to remain after hoursand work up. See what it is to have a dunce of a brother, Win, " andDick, curling his lip sneeringly, endeavoured to hide his woundedfeelings by putting his hands in his pockets and trying to lookperfectly indifferent. Winnie, on her part, burst forth indignantly, -- "Not another word against yourself, Richard Blake. I won't listen. "Then coming to her brother's side and slipping two soft arms round hisneck, she raised her eyes with the love-light shining so softly inthem, and murmured tenderly, "Don't be downcast, dear old boy--all willcome right some day; and I am just as stupid as you are. " "No, no, " cried Dick quickly. "Indolence is your fault, Win, notstupidity. But I--I can't learn, and that's the simple truth. I'vetried over and over again, but it's no good; and, of course, "(doggedly) "no one believes that fact. " "I do, " said the soft little voice. "But, Dick, people don't know you. There you go, " (with quaint gravity) "hiding that great, kind heart ofyours, and showing only a rough exterior. Our father and mother neverguess bow brave and good and true you are. They'll find all that outsome day, however;" and Winnie looked into her brother's honestfreckled face with all the affection of her loyal, little heart. "You're a decided goose, Win, " was all the answer vouchsafed to hercheering words, as the boy rose from his chair and prepared to leavethe room; but the twinkle in his eye, and kind, firm pressure of hishand, when they parted at the street corner, spoke volumes to littleWinnie, and sent her back to school with a happy heart. She was very thoughtful all that afternoon, however, and so quiet thatwhen school was over and the two girls stood on the steps of Mrs. Elder's Select Establishment, Nellie inquired anxiously if her friendwere ill. "Ill!" repeated Winnie with a light laugh; "not I--only, I've beena-thinking, " and a long-drawn sigh accompanied the words. "What about?" asked her companion, descending the steps and viewing thelittle figure with the great, serious look on its face. "What adoleful expression, Winnie! You look as if you had, like Atlas, thewhole world on your shoulders. " "Nellie, " interrupted the child--for indeed she seemed little more thansuch--with the faintest quiver in her voice, "did you ever think, andthink, and think, till your head seemed bursting, and all your thoughtsgot whirled together? No? Ah, well, I have; and somehow when I getinto these moods everything becomes muddled, and I find myself all in amaze. Oh!" and Winnie spoke with passionate vehemence, "often I wouldgive I don't know how much to find some one who could understand andexplain away my thoughts. " "Why not speak to your mother?" asked Nellie, rather surprised at thisnew phase in her friend's character; "surely she should be able to helpyou. " But the little girl shook her head despondingly. "No, no, Nellie; mystepmother is very kind and pretty, but I don't see much of her, andshe would only laugh at me. " They were strolling leisurely along the street now, and the child'svoice had a plaintive ring in it as she continued: "I was very illabout a year ago--so ill, Nellie, that I had to lie in bed day afterday for a long time. I can't tell what was wrong with me, but I knowthe doctor used to look very grave when he saw me; and one day, afterhe had gone away, nurse went about my room crying softly to herself. Iwas too weak to care or think, and only wondered dreamily what she wascrying for, till my stepmother entered, and I noticed that her eyeswere red too. They imagined I was sleeping, I suppose, for nurse quiteloudly asked, 'Is there no hope?' O Nellie! I shall never forget thatmoment, never so long as I live. I seemed to realize that I wasdying--really, truly dying--and the thought was awful. What wouldhappen to me after death? I could not, I dared not die. Springingwith sudden strength from the bed, I tried to rush anywhere, screaming, 'Save me! don't let me die!' in the most awful agony. Then came a longblank. I never forgot that time, but I never spoke of it to any one. Where was the use? I should only have been laughed at, and told tothink about living, not dying. " There was something so pathetic in the way all this was told, there wassuch an amount of pathos in the quivering voice, that Nellie's heartached and the tears rushed to her eyes. "Winnie, " she began gently, "I know what would do you all the good inthe world--a talk with Aunt Judith. I am sure she would never laughaway your thoughts or refuse to listen, she is so good and kind; andwhen she speaks, one feels as if all one's wicked passions were hushedaway. " Winnie brightened visibly. "Is that so?" she inquired; "then I should dearly like to see her. Won't you invite me to spend some afternoon with you, Nellie, and allowme to see Aunt Judith and your cosy wee home?" "I shall be only too pleased, Winnie, " replied her companion. Then thetwo friends parted and went their respective roads--one to afashionable home where gaiety reigned supreme and pleasure filled upevery hour; the other to a lowly cottage-dwelling where God's holy namewas hallowed, and the Christ-life showed itself clear and bright inAunt Judith's daily walk. CHAPTER VI. WINNIE'S HOME. That same evening Winnie and Dick were alone together in the oakparlour; a room sacred to themselves, where they ate, studied, played, and lived, as it were, a life quite apart from that of the otherinmates of the family, who, occupied with business or domestic dutiesthrough the day, spent evening after evening in a round of gaiety andamusement. Brother and sister enjoyed little of the society of theirelders during the week, but on Saturdays and Sabbaths they were usuallyexpected to lunch with their parents--an honour which, I am sorry tosay, neither appreciated; for somehow Dick seldom failed to commit agross blunder or make some absurd speech at a critical moment, andWinnie, though a general favourite, refused to be happy when he wassternly upbraided for his fault. The father, a man of wide culture and refinement, had no patience withhis son's clumsy movements and slow brain, refusing to look under thesurface and see the great loving heart which beat there with its wealthof warm true affection; while Mrs. Blake and the elder brothers andsisters regarded him in the light of a good-for-nothing or generalscapegrace. The result was that Dick hid the many sterling qualitiesof his nature under a gruff, forbidding exterior, and onlytender-hearted Winnie guessed how he winced and writhed under themocking word or light laugh indulged in at his expense. Resenting thembitterly, she gathered up all the love of her passionate little heartand showered it on him, idolizing this big brother of hers to such anextent that even his faults seemed gilded with a halo; and heraffection being equally returned, both found their greatest happinessin each other's society. Oh, what fun they had together in the oak parlour! Oh, the shouts ofringing laughter and the merry jest of words! Now and then Dick wouldbring home with him his special friend, Archie Trollope, and what anight would follow, --Winnie entering into their games with all the zestof her tomboy nature. She never felt solitary or out of place in the company of these twoboys; and they--why, they looked upon her as one of themselves: Dickdescribing her to his numerous companions as being a "tip-top" girl, and Archie singing her praises loudly to his own sisters who never knewwhat it was to join in a madcap frolic, and whose voices were strictlymodulated to society pitch. Sometimes, in the long winter evenings, the trio, tired with play, would lower the gas, and gathering round the large, blazing fire, tellghost stories with such thrilling earnestness that often the ghastlyphantoms seemed to merge almost into reality, and they found themselvesstarting at a falling cinder or the sound of a footstep in the passageoutside. On those occasions the window-blind was usually drawn up tothe top, that the pale, glimmering moonlight might stream in; and asthe soft silvery beams stole silently into the room and laid theirtremulous light on the young forms and awestruck faces, the flamesleaping and crackling joined in enhancing the effect of the story bythrowing on the walls weird shadows of a moving spectral band. But the winter days were yet to come, though the cold autumn winds andfalling leaves heralded their sure approach; and this evening Winnieand Dick were engaged--not in wandering hand in hand into wonderland, but in the prosaic occupation of making toffy. Winnie, enveloped in one of nurse's huge bib-aprons, stood at a littledistance from the fire, busily studying a book of recipes; while Dick, his honest face burnt to the colour of a lobster, was bending over asaucepan and stirring manfully the tempting contents. "Yes, " said the young lady, laying aside the well-thumbed volume andtaking a step forward, "the quantities are correct. I am sure thiswill be excellent toffy, but--Dick, you shocking boy! whatever are youdoing? Licking the spoon, I declare. How very vulgar!" and Winnieopened her eyes in horrified amazement at her brother's lack ofgood-breeding. "Well, you see, Win, " replied the culprit meekly, "you so often makemistakes and put in some awful compound that I am obliged to guardagainst being poisoned. Having a sincere affection for life, and notbeing like Portia 'aweary of this great world, ' I consider it my dutyto take all due precautions, and therefore _pardonnez-moi_ for tastingthe toffy. " The young cook drew her slight figure up and said with an air ofoffended dignity, "I flatter myself that I am quite capable of makingexcellent toffy, Richard Blake, and am well aware as to the properingredients. " "Doubtless, " with a sweeping bow, "but 'accidents will happen in thebest-regulated families;' and I remember how you substituted salt forsugar the last time, and apparently never discovered your mistake tillyou had dosed me with some of the vile concoction. It was crackingstuff, I can assure you. " Here Dick became thoroughly convulsed at theremembrance of that disastrous night, and laughed so heartily thatWinnie fled to the rescue of her beloved toffy, and seized the spoonfrom her brother's swaying hand. "What an object you look!" she said scornfully, stirring the clearbrown liquid and inhaling its savoury odour with intense satisfaction. "I don't see anything to laugh at;" and she began to hum the tune of anold nursery rhyme, as if utterly indifferent to both Dick and hislaughter. "Don't ape Madame Dignity, Win, " gasped the awful boy in an almoststrangled condition; "lofty airs are not becoming to such a littlecreature. You know perfectly well what a 'go' it was, and thought Iwas about to 'shuffle off this mortal coil. '" Dick had a weakness forShakespeare. "Oh dear! when I reflect upon it all and remember thetaste--" but here Winnie was obliged to give in and join in hismerriment, for the boy's face of pretended disgust was too comical toresist. "Dick, you are dreadful!" she said at length, the tears streaming downher cheeks and her voice still trembling with a lurking suspicion oflaughter. "Will you never forget that eventful night!" "Never, " replied her brother with mock gravity; "the remembrance isprinted indelibly on the records of my memory, and the taste remainsfor ever fresh to my palate. Let us change the conversation, Win; thesubject is too much for my delicate constitution. " "I am quite agreeable, " quoth the young lady composedly, "and in thatcase allow your hands to be active and your tongue silent. I want thetin buttered, and the bottle of vanilla essence brought from thepantry. Now, do hurry, for the toffy is almost ready. " Dick obeyed orders, and in a short time the candy was cooling outsideon the window ledge, while brother and sister, comfortably settled intheir respective chairs, were preparing to enjoy a "quiet read. " "This is a splendid book, Dick, " said the little chatterbox, toyingwith the leaves of her dainty volume, and glancing at the tastefulengravings. "All the school-girls are raving about it, and saying howdelightfully interesting the story is. " "What's the name and who's the author?" inquired Dick, too muchengrossed in his own book of wonderful adventures to give much heed tohis sister's words. "Quick, Win; I'm just killing a whale. Ah! nowthey've got him. Bravo!" and the boy shouted his appreciation of thestirring tale. "Oh, the title of the book is 'A Summer's Pleasure;' and theauthor--let me see--why--" and Winnie stopped short, her eyes opened totheir widest extent and her rosy lips slightly parted. "What's up with the girl?" queried Dick, roused by the little sister'ssurprised tone and bewildered expression. "Lot's wife could not havelooked more petrified, I'll be bound. Do satisfy a fellow's curiosity, Win, and don't sit there mute as a fish. " Thus admonished, Winnie gave herself a little shake and laughed lightly. "No wonder, " she said excusingly. "Only think, Dick, --the author ofthis book calls herself 'Aunt Judith, ' and that is the name of one ofNellie Latimer's aunts. " The boy gave a prolonged whistle. "Well, you are a little fool, " he said politely, "to make such a fussabout nothing. Dear me, Win, you don't imagine surely that NellieLatimer's aunt is the author of that book, simply because her namehappens to be Judith. Why, there are hundreds of Aunt Judiths in theworld;" and philosopher Dick went back to his whales and icebergs inlofty contempt of his sister's excitement. "I daresay I am a goose, " laughed Winnie apologetically; "but somehowit seemed so strange to see 'Aunt Judith' staring at me from thetitle-page. Aunt Judith--" and the little girl repeated the namesoftly, as if those two words held for her some subtle charm. The minutes passed slowly one by one. Dick was away in the far northfighting the whales, and having wonderful adventures with polar bears;while Winnie, curled up cosy fashion in the depths of a huge easychair, was also absorbed in the contents of her book; when the softswish-swish of garments was heard coming along the passage, and thedoor opened to admit a fair, stately lady, whose silken robe fell ingraceful folds to her feet, and whose arms, neck, and hair glitteredwith sparkling jewels. She was followed by two younger ladies, asrichly but more youthfully dressed; and as they entered the room adelicious perfume distilled itself and wafted all around the sweetestfragrance. "Mamma!" cried Winnie, springing up and gazing admiringly on thebeautiful figure before her; "how pretty you look! Are you going outto-night again, and Clare and Edith also?" "Yes, dear, " replied Mrs. Blake in a softly-modulated voice; "we areall going to the opera, and the carriage is already at the door. Iwished to know, however, why Dick was so late in getting home thisafternoon, and so looked in on you as I was passing. " Dick, who had barely glanced up at his stepmother's entrance, and thencontinued reading, now knit his brow in an angry frown, and seemedunwilling to answer; while Clare, the elder of the two young ladies, laughed carelessly as she said, "Our invasion for that purpose washardly necessary, I fancy. It is simply the old story overagain--badly-prepared lessons. " "You're about right there, " replied the boy sullenly, never raising hiseyes from the volume before him. "What else could you expect of thedunce?" and a bitter sneer curled the corners of his lips as he spoke, while Winnie's warm little heart was all aglow with love and sympathy. Mrs. Blake's face assumed an expression of peevish distress. "I amsure, Dick, " she began plaintively, "I do not know what the end of allthis will be. Your father is perfectly disgusted at your indolence andashamed of your stupidity. " The boy's eyes flashed. "Yes, it is quitetrue. I am tired listening to his continual complaints;" and the ladydrew her fleecy wrap round her with an injured air. "O mamma, " interrupted Winnie eagerly, "you are wronging Dick. He maynot be so clever as Algy and Tom, but he is such a dear, good boy, anddoes try ever so hard to learn his lessons. He does indeed; and Ishould know best, when I study beside him every night. " "That's enough, Win, " answered her brother doggedly. "I don't carewhat they believe;" and the boy, drawing his chair closer to the fire, gazed angrily into the burning embers. "What a respectful speech, and what charming manners!" said Edithscornfully. "You would grace any drawing-room, Dick. --Come away, mamma; we shall be late. Papa will soon bring his dutiful son to hisproper senses. " "Well spoken, Edith, " said Mrs. Blake, sweeping indignantly from theroom; "the boy is a perfect boor. I trust he may show more honour tohis father than he has accorded to me. " The door closed softly behind the unwelcome guests, the light footstepsdied away in the distance, and Winnie and Dick were once more alone inthe little oak parlour, with the dancing firelight playing on theirfaces and roguishly deepening the tint on their youthful cheeks. Dick's book had dropped from his knees, and was lying with crumpledleaves on the rug, while the boy, his hands tightly clenched, sat inmoody silence; and Winnie's tender heart ached as she watched him. Slipping from her chair, she crossed over to his side, and nestlingdown, laid her pretty head on his arm, saying with a quiver in hervoice, "Dick, my dear, good boy, don't look like that; I can't bear it. Oh, why do they say such things to you?" Here the tears forcedthemselves into the bright eyes as she spoke. Dick gave the fender a vicious kick ere he replied: "I tell you what itis, Win: one of these days I'll run away. No, no; don't strangle meand say I won't, for I tell you I _will_. A fellow can't be expectedto stand this sort of thing all his life. I'm sick of it. Hallo!what's up?" for Winnie's arms were clasped tightly round his neck andthe great tears were running silently down her cheeks. "Don't go, Dick, oh, don't go!" she pleaded frantically, half chokingthe boy with her violent embraces. "Whatever should I do without you?Dick, you must not go; only wait, and all will come right in the end. Promise, promise!" and the little gipsy face looked pitiful in its wildterror. Dick's heart melted. "There, there, dry your eyes, you wee goose; I was only teasing you. Why, what a disconsolate-looking object somebody is!" and laughing hissister out of her fright, the two sat chatting merrily till bed-time, when Winnie went away to her own dainty room, and Dick also sought hisden. Then, when alone in the darkness, the merriment died out of his face, and as he lay thinking over his wrongs, real and imaginary, bitterfeelings swept over his heart, and the idle threat began to form itselfinto fixed determination. "I would go right off to-night were it notfor Win, " he muttered, tossing restlessly on his pillows; "but I guessshe would fret sorely, and--'there's the rub. '" Another Shakespearianquotation. "Well, well, I'll sleep over it;" and then Dick wanderedinto the land of dreams, to be haunted by the vision of a quaint gipsyface and great pleading eyes--a vision which rose up before him againand again in after years, when he was out on the great waste of waters, and the soft moon and shining stars seemed to whisper of home andloving hearts. CHAPTER VII. AN AFTERNOON AT DINGLE COTTAGE. One Saturday afternoon, about a week after the events recorded in thelast chapter, Miss Latimer stood at the window of her cosy parlourlooking out into the quiet street with its small semi-detached villasand cottages, the tiny gardens of which were now strown with thefalling autumn leaves. There was a slight look of expectancy in hereyes and pleased expression on her face calculated to give any beholderthe idea that Aunt Judith was watching for something or somebody. Andso she was; for Winnifred Blake had gladly accepted the invitation tospend that afternoon and evening at Dingle Cottage, much to Nellie'sdelight; and that young lady, too impatient to await her guest'sarrival, had gone part of the way to meet the expected visitor. Aunt Judith, after giving a quick glance round the room to see thateverything had a comfortable, inviting look, resumed her quiet watch, and for some time the silence of the house was unbroken, save by aslight sound now and then proceeding from the kitchen, where AuntDebby, Martha-like as usual, was busy with domestic work. At last twofigures appeared coming swiftly along the street, and Miss Latimer, hastening to the door, opened it with words of kindly welcome as Winnieand Nellie danced (I can use no better word) up the tiny garden path. "Come in, dear; I am pleased to see you, " she said in her gentle voice, leading the young guest to Nellie's bedroom, and assisting her to takeoff her hat and jacket. "Nellie has spoken so often about you that youseem no stranger to me, and I am glad to think my niece has gained sucha true, warm-hearted little friend. " Winnie, surveying the kind face bending over her, smiled at the words, but seemed to be too much overwhelmed by an unaccountable fit ofshyness to vouchsafe any reply. She kept her usually busy tonguesilent till the three were seated in the snug parlour, when, under theinfluence of Miss Latimer's simple, homely manner, she began, as Nellieexpressed it, to thaw, and the fountain once set free produced a playof bright, sparkling conversation. Aunt Judith's nimble fingers plied the needle industriously, and thoughshe herself said little at first, her thorough enjoyment of the youngpeople's society was evident from the quiet, amused smile which lurkedround the corners of her lips, and the close attention she gave to themerry flow of talk. School and school-mates were the two chief themesof conversation, and if now and again a remark savouring ratherstrongly of girlish malice or jealousy fell from either lips, MissLatimer wisely made no comment; for she knew what, alas! many pay solittle heed to--that for everything there is a season, and that a wordof admonition thrown in at a wrong time serves rather to harden thansoften the heart. "Nellie is getting on splendidly at school, Miss Latimer, " announcedWinnie after a long pause. "Ada Irvine cannot call herself the dux anylonger; and I am so glad. It is quite delightful to see her angry, crestfallen look each time Nellie makes a correct answer;" and Winnie'sface glowed in thorough appreciation of the present state of affairs. "As for revenge, " she continued, "there will be a terrible climax someday, I am sure. Even now, and this is only the beginning, she cannotfind anything too horrible for herself or the other girls to say aboutNellie. " "I am sorry to hear that, " replied Aunt Judith quietly; "but Nelliemust try to win Ada's love, and not provoke her by any appearance oftriumph or self-esteem. Draw your chairs nearer me, dears, and I willtell you what happened to me long, long ago when I was a girl;" andhere Miss Latimer smiled on the upturned young faces and commenced herstory. There was nothing very exciting in the tale--nothing certainlybordering on the wonderful--and yet one might have heard a pin fall, sogreat was the silence while she spoke. Winnie sat quite still, her eyes shining like twin stars, and the wholeexpression of her face denoting the most intense interest; whileNellie, her lips slightly parted as if in expectation, also seemed tohave her attention completely absorbed: for Aunt Judith was a splendidstory-teller, and entered heart and soul into the spirit of her tale. Miss Deborah's little bright orbs twinkled when she entered the parlourwith the tea-tray and found how the three were occupied. There waslittle heed given to her entrance, and not even a glimpse of prettychina or a daintily-spread table could tempt the listeners' eyes orattention from Miss Latimer and her story till the last word wasspoken, when both roused themselves with a sigh of the utmostsatisfaction. "Oh, that was splendid!" cried Winnie eagerly. "What a nicestory-teller you make, Miss Latimer; you talk just like a book. " HereAunt Debby, accidentally, of course, choked slightly. "I could sit andlisten to you for ever, --couldn't you, Nellie?" and Winnie appealed toher companion for an enforcement of her statement. "Scarcely, dear, scarcely, " interrupted Aunt Judith, rising from herchair and advancing to the tea-table; "if you were to hear my storiesoften, the novelty would by-and-by wear away. But here is Aunt Debbywith the urn. Let us see what a successful tea-maker she is, and wecan talk more about stories and story-telling afterwards. " Both girls jumped up obediently, and gathering round the tempting tablethe happy party proceeded to enjoy the many goodly things displayedthereon, and kept up such a merry strain of conversation that the roomrang with laughter; and Aunt Meg, lying in her darkened chamber, bitterly bewailed her infirmities and the seeming lack of sympathyvouchsafed to her in her affliction. Tea was followed by games and other interesting amusements, all ofwhich Winnie enjoyed immensely; and then Aunt Judith inquired if shewould like to see an old maid's den. "Nellie has never as yet beenprivileged to cross its threshold, " she finished laughingly, "so itwill be something new for both of you to inspect. " With that she led the way and ushered the two girls into her study. Both stood for a few minutes silent, glancing round the pretty room sosimply and tastefully furnished; then with a little cry of delight theysprang towards the bookcase and began to scan the contents eagerly. "Why, I declare, " cried Winnie excitedly, "here are ever so many bookslike the one I have at home just now. They are all by the same authortoo. --Miss Latimer, " she continued, turning and speaking rapidly, "shemust be a good lady who writes those books. I have only read one ofthem, entitled 'A Summer's Pleasure;' but it was beautiful, and I feltas if I should like, oh _so much_, to talk with the author, and tellher how earnestly I long to be good, and how I can't. " Nellie, who had taken one of the pretty volumes into her hand and wasscanning the title-page, looked up at Miss Latimer's face with ahalf-incredulous light in her eyes; but Aunt Judith, gazing down on thelittle figure before her, failed to catch the puzzled gleam. "My child, " she said, oh so gently, taking the small white hands anddrawing the young girl to the warm fireside, "your words do my heartgood, and help to repay me for hours of weary labour. You wish to knowthe author of those books, dear. You feel you could tell her some ofyour deepest longings. What will you say when I confess that shestands before you--that it is in very truth Aunt Judith who loveschildren and sends them through print her best heart-thoughts?" Nellie's face at this point was a study; but Winnie cried joyfully, -- "I knew it, I knew it! something whispered to me it was you. Oh, MissLatimer, I am so glad! Will you lend me one of your dear little books, and may I love you because you are so good? I wish you were my aunt; Ido indeed, " and there was a lonely ache in the girlish voice as shespoke. Miss Latimer laid her hand on the rough curly head. "Little Winnie, " she said tenderly, "don't you know that love is atreasure to me? I shall prize your warm, true affection very dearly. Call me Aunt Judith, my child; and when you read my little books, towhich you are heartily welcome, remember I am speaking simply from myheart, with the earnest wish to raise your thoughts to the good Fatherwho made this beautiful world and gave us all things richly to enjoy. " Words like these had a strange sound to Winnie, and filled her with anawe-stricken feeling; but she made no reply, only raising herself ontip-toe she kissed Miss Latimer warmly, and turned her attention to thebookcase again. At that moment the door-bell rang, and Miss Deborahannounced the arrival of Dick with the carriage to take his sisterhome. So once more they re-entered the little parlour where AuntDebby, with kind thoughtfulness, had prepared a repast of fruit andcake, and where Master Blake sat looking decidedly awkward and out ofplace in the dainty little room. He acknowledged Miss Latimer's greeting with a few unintelligiblewords, and seemed altogether to be labouring under some restraint, tillWinnie said with a light laugh, -- "For the first time in my life, Dick, I am sorry to see you. Whatevermade you come so soon?" and at the plain-spoken words there was such ageneral laugh that the boy's reserve vanished, and--"Richard washimself again. " Nellie and he became fast friends, and chatted away pleasantly; whileWinnie, after having partaken plentifully of fruit and cake, went toput on her hat and jacket under Miss Latimer's escort. "May I come again soon?" she inquired naively, looking round the tinyroom with loving eyes; "this is such a dear little house, and you areall so kind, I should like to spend an afternoon often here. " Winnieseemed very earnest as she spoke. "We shall be only too pleased to see you, " replied Aunt Judith, smilingdown on the upturned face, and neatly adjusting the tie round thegirl's soft neck. "I love to have young people about me, and it isgood to hear the sound of a blithe young voice. " Those words amply satisfied Winnie, and after many good-nights had beenexchanged, she and Dick drove homewards, bearing with them two of AuntJudith's precious volumes. "I say, Win, that's a jolly little house, " said the boy as they rolledalong in the darkness. "What a funny, brisk old lady Aunt Debby is!Did you notice the way she dodged about, and how her front curls shookand bobbed a regular jig every time she spoke? She puts me in mind ofa little bird peeping out at you from those small twinkling eyes. She's a rum old customer, sure enough;" and Dick chuckled at theremembrance of Miss Deborah's round chubby face and crisp chirpingvoice. "Yes, she is rather queer, " assented Winnie musingly; "but I like MissLatimer dearly. She is awfully good, Dick; and fancy her being theauthor of those books after all. Is it not strange?" "Slightly, perhaps; but 'truth is stranger than fiction, ' my dearsister. --By-the-by, I did not notice any Quaker fashion in their dressto-night. Miss Latimer wore some lace fal-lal about her neck, and AuntDebby's cap was a regular flower-garden. " Dick was a severe critic onfemale attire. "That's quite true, " replied Winnie; "but if you saw them in thestreet, with their long loose cloaks and huge bonnets, you would speakdifferently. O Dick, how happy they all seem! don't they? and how cosyeverything looks! Such a contrast to our great big rooms, where youfeel like a--a--" Winnie stopped short for lack of a simile, and herbrother supplied the missing word, -- "Pelican in the wilderness. That's it, Win; and you're about right. Love won't make the pot boil; but money can't buy everything, and Ireckon there's a screw loose somewhere in our home. " With that there followed a long silence, and Winnie was almost in theland of dreams when the carriage stopped at No. 3 Victoria Square, andDick shouted roguishly in her ear the one word--"Awake!" The windows were ablaze with light, and there were sounds of music andsinging as brother and sister, entering the house, wended their way tothe oak parlour and warmed their hands at the cheerful blaze. The gaswas lit, the curtains drawn, the room tidy and inviting-looking; but nokind motherly face was there to welcome them and ask if the evening hadbeen a pleasant one. At other times Winnie would not, most probably, have felt the blank, having been accustomed to such neglect; but comingstraight from Aunt Judith's gentle presence, and with the remembranceof her loving words and kind voice stirring the lonely little heart, itstruck home to her with a chill. Leaving Dick to his own meditationsshe slipped away to the large nursery, where old nurse sat quietlywatching the slumbers of her young charge, Winnie's little step-brother. Here at least there was no lack of sympathy or welcome, for dearly didthe faithful servant love her first mistress's children, and bitterlydid she bewail the neglect with which the two youngest were treated. Kneeling down by her side, Winnie rehearsed the whole history of theafternoon and evening at Dingle Cottage; and old nurse, listeningintently, did not fail to raise her hands and express due astonishmentat the knowledge of Aunt Judith's authorship. So the young girl wascomforted, and after kissing her little brother lovingly, she rejoinedDick in the oak parlour, and passed the rest of the evening contentedlyin his society. CHAPTER VIII. FORGING THE FIRST LINK. Autumn, with its sobbing winds and falling leaves, was over now, andcold, sterile winter reigned supreme all around. Day after day thechill northern blasts swept over the busy town, bringing with them nowa tempest of blinding sleet, and again showers of softly-falling snow:rich people wrapped themselves warmly in their furs and velvet; and thepoor, gathering their tattered garments more closely round them, shivered under the touch of the icy king. But if winter days broughtcold, bleak winds and murky skies, they also brought many pleasures intheir train; and young hearts beat joyfully as the Christmas-tide drewnear, and bright visions of the festive season filled each youthfulmind. Winnie especially was in a state of great excitement, for Mrs. Blakehad promised her a party with a real Christmas tree, to which she wasat liberty to invite as many of her school-mates as she chose. Onelittle trifle alone damped her happiness--namely, the command toinclude Ada Irvine in the list of her invitations; and although Winniepouted and pleaded her dislike of that young lady, Mrs. Blake remainedfirm, and insisted that her injunction should be carried out. "Yourfather was formerly on very intimate terms with Mr. Irvine, Winnie, andI will have no slight or disrespect shown to his daughter; so, eitherpost her an invitation or abandon the idea of a party altogether. " Andwhen her step-mother spoke in that decided manner, Winnie knew she hadno alternative save to yield. "I sincerely trust Ada Irvine will have the good sense to refuse, " sheconfided to Nellie the day on which the invitations were about to beissued. "She'll spoil the whole affair it she comes, horrid old thing;and I did mean it all to be so nice. Ugh! she will surely neveraccept, " and Winnie's face wore anything but an amiable expression. School had not been such a very pleasant place those last few weeks, and many of the scenes which occurred there were certainly neitherseemly nor instructive. Open warfare reigned between Ada and Winnie, and the skirmishes were becoming serious as well as disagreeable; forWinnie, scouting all Nellie's proposals of being patient and winning bylove, made a fiery little adversary, and Ada Irvine's dislike of bothwas rapidly deepening into the bitterest hatred--the more so when shesaw Nellie rising gradually in the esteem of both teachers andscholars: the former being won by her steady attention and modestbehaviour; the latter by the simple, kindly spirit which characterizedall her actions. There was much still to call for patient forbearanceand quiet endurance; but Nellie could see the golden sunlight streamingthrough the clouds, and hopefully trusted that by-and-by every darkshadow would vanish and leave never a trace behind. This state of matters was as gall and wormwood to Ada. Nellie'sgradual triumph, and Winnie's malicious delight thereat, roused everyevil passion in her nature; and out of her deadly hatred she meditateda sure revenge when the opportunity came in her way. What form itwould take she hardly knew; events would shape themselves somehow; andthen--the cold blue eyes glittered ominously at the thought of what shetermed her reckoning-day. Many a tender, wistful thought Winnie sent to Miss Latimer, though shehad never managed to visit Dingle Cottage a second time. Her preciousvolumes were read and re-read over and over again; and it seemed as itAunt Judith's quiet, peaceful face shone forth from every page, and thesoft, kindly voice uttered each loving word and noble thought. Dickused to protest his utter weariness of Aunt Judith and her books, forday after day she was quoted to him with never-failing enthusiasm; buton those occasions when he did give expression to such sentiments, Winnie merely treated him to a hearty embrace, and pursued theinteresting subject with increased earnestness. In the meantime, however, her mind was so fully occupied with the forthcoming party thatnothing else was on her lips from morn till eve; and with regard toMiss Latimer, Dick had peace for a season. Oh, what discussions took place in the old oak parlour over theapproaching festivity! How was it to be conducted? What was to be theprogramme for the evening? and who were to be included in the list ofinvitations? "I suppose your friends will be able to dance, Dick?" inquired Winnieone night when they were sitting together talking as usual about thegreat event in prospect. "Mamma says we cannot play games all theevening. " "Well, I daresay they can do a hop or two when it's necessary, "answered the boy lazily. "Just you get hold of Archie Trollope andhe'll spin you round and round the room in a twinkle; not verygracefully, perhaps, but with no lack of energy. He's the boy to doit;" and Dick laughed as he pictured the charming spectacle with hismental eye. Winnie looked dignified. "If he cannot dance properly, " she said, with a touch of contempt inher voice, "most assuredly he will not have the honour of dancing withme. I have no desire to figure ridiculously in a ball-room, " and thelittle lady drew herself up proudly as she spoke. Dick collapsed. "The honour!" he gasped spasmodically--"the honour! My eye! listen tothe princess!" and rolling himself about in convulsions of laughter, the vulgar boy ended his merriment by tilting over his chair andlanding himself gracefully on the floor. "Why not an honour, pray?" inquired Winnie, looking loftily on thesprawling form at her feet. "Is it not a _great_ privilege for anygentleman to dance with a lady?" and the indignant child laid specialstress on the word "great. " Dick rose, and treating her to a sweeping Sir Charles Grandison bow, replied, "You are right, madam; the honour is inestimable. " At thisboth laughed, and continued the interrupted conversation. "Ada Irvine has accepted her invitation, Dick, " was Winnie's nextannouncement, given with ominous gravity. "No one ever imagined shewould do so, and all the school-girls are talking about it. " Dick gave a low whistle. "Depend upon it, Win, " he said solemnly, "there's something in thewind. Ada Irvine's not the girl to take such a step without having areason for so doing. I guess you and Nellie had better look out forsqualls, for if Miss Ada's not up to some low dodge, my name's notRichard Blake. " And even while they were speaking, the subject of their conversationsat up in her comfortable bedroom at Mrs. Elder's, thinking over thefirst link she was about to forge in the long chain of bitter maliceand deceit. She was seated in a low basket-chair before the fire, making a pretty picture with her long fair hair floating down her back, and her dainty figure nestling cosily amongst the soft cushions. Herblue eyes had an absent, far-away look, and the small white hands lyingon her lap were nervously interlaced one with the other. "Yes, " she muttered in a low, hushed voice, "I shall have my revenge, though I cannot as yet see the way clearly before me. I hardly knowtowards which I bear the greater hatred, but anyhow both willsuffer--Winnifred Blake for her malicious triumph and delight; NellieLatimer for her upsetting behaviour and quiet contempt. Oh, how Idetest them both!" and the girl's eyes gleamed angrily. There was amoment's silence; then she continued, knitting her white brow in aperplexed frown, --"I wonder how I shall manage? One thing is certain:I must do my best on Friday night--make a good impression on the Blakefamily, and cautiously poison their minds with respect to NellieLatimer. People are so credulous in this world, it is wonderful what aword skilfully thrown in will do, and how very easily it is credited;but I must be careful, and lay my plans with the greatest caution. " She spoke all this in a low undertone, as if fearful of beingoverheard, and her eyes wandered round the room with an uneasy lightshining in their depths. The fire-flames leaped and crackled, thepretty room was full of warmth and comfort; yet the girl shiveredviolently, and gave a scared glance towards the window as the wind wentwailing round the house like a sobbing child. What gave her thatstrange, restless feeling--that weariness of heart? She could hardlytell; only somehow the world seemed all changed of late, and theChristmas-tide so close at hand failed to afford the same joy andgladness it had done heretofore. A great black cloud seemed to behiding all the sunshine from her sight; a heavy weight would keepdragging at her heart-strings, and a continual thirst after revengepersisted in haunting her every footstep. Yet this time was a season of peace and holy joy--a time when handshould clasp hand with the fervour of warm friendship, and all pastslights and wrongs be blotted out for ever, leaving room for naught inthe heart save the pure Christ-like love which makes this world aheaven on earth. Night after night, as the Christmas-tide drew near, the sky spread itself over all--one curtain, of misty blue, studdedwith the bright, scintillating twinkle of myriads of happy stars. Every evening the quiet, peaceful moon shone forth rounder andmellower; the north wind tempered its cutting blasts and touched thesleeping earth gently, gently with its icy fingers; and thefrost-sparkles, glistering from lofty steeple and sloping roof, changedthe dingy town to a veritable fairyland. At first Nellie had often wondered why Miss Latimer took such aninterest in the outside world, and what beauty she could see in thebusy city with its constant din and bustle. But that was over now, forshe had learned that the nature-world was as an open book to AuntJudith--a treasury from which she brought forth gold, silver, andprecious stones, and scattered them throughout the world in the shapeof grand, beautiful thoughts. Nellie found life very pleasant just now at the little cottage inBroomhill Road. Miss Latimer and Aunt Debby vied with each other inevery endeavour to add to her comfort and happiness; while even AuntMeg roused herself occasionally from her selfish torpor and tried tobrighten the tiny home. She could gladden it wonderfully when shechose, for Miss Margaret possessed many pleasing traits of character;but, alas! she seldom did choose, and, as Miss Deborah quaintlyexpressed it, "one had to endure innumerable showers of rain for onegleam of sunshine. " Nellie had become so accustomed, however, to theinvalid's whims and caprices, that she thought little, if at all, aboutthem, and in the meantime her whole attention was engrossed withWinnie's party. Miss Latimer had bought her a soft white muslin forthe occasion, and Miss Deborah was busy converting it into theprettiest party-dress imaginable. The young girl had been at firstslightly dubious about Aunt Debby's dress-making capabilities; but herdoubts were fast disappearing as she watched the gradual progress madeunder that lady's skilful fingers, and noted how beautifully andtastefully the work was done. "I am sure no one will have such a pretty dress, Aunt Debby, " she saidone afternoon, coming into the parlour and finding Miss Deborah busyover the dainty garment. "It is so good of you to put yourself to allthis trouble for me, and I shall never be able to thank you as Iought. " Nellie's eyes glistened as she spoke. "You will soon find out your mistake, my dear, " said Aunt Meg from hercouch by the fire. "I question if one of your friends will be dressedin so simple and cheap a material. Why, you will be a regular dowdy, and I told Judith so when she showed me her purchase. She could hardlyhave bought a less expensive fabric. " "Nonsense, Meg, " put in Miss Deborah with a displeased frown and rapidglance at Nellie's amazed countenance; "don't place absurd ideas in thechild's head. You know perfectly well muslin makes a most appropriatedress for a young girl. I wonder what Judith would say were she tohear you speak in that manner?" "Look like a saint, and preach to Nellie on the vanity and vexation ofthe human heart, " replied the invalid, who seemed to be decidedly outof humour. "I am well aware of Judith's style, Debby: that is how shecovers her stinginess, " and Miss Margaret gave a little sarcastic laughat this point. "Hush!" almost shouted Miss Deborah, turning a pair of bright, angryeyes in the direction of the couch. "How dare you utter such anuntruth? Simply because one of your endless wishes was thwarted. Meg, I am ashamed of you!" and Aunt Debby resumed her sewing with an air ofheavy displeasure, while the invalid relapsed into sulky silence, thecause of her ill-humour being Aunt Judith's refusal that morning togrant her a new dressing-gown. "Wait a little longer, Meg; I canhardly afford it just now, and your old one still looks pretty andfresh, " had been the quiet answer to the proffered request; but thatwas sufficient to upset the invalid's equanimity for the rest of theday, and no amount of kindness could soothe her wounded feelings. Of course Nellie was ignorant of all this. Still, although she did notbelieve Miss Margaret's statement in reference to Miss Latimer'smeanness, the words left a sting, and the pretty dress seemed divestedof half its beauty. "Aunt Judith might have purchased something just atrifle more expensive, " was the unuttered thought ever rising to herlips; but, oh! how her heart reproached her when, on the evening of theparty, Miss Latimer called her into the little sanctum, and, shuttingthe door, lifted a small box from the table and proceeded to unfastenthe lock. "Aunt Debby has just been showing me your dress, Nellie, " she said inher soft gentle voice, "and now that it is finished I think it verypretty indeed. I hardly know why, but I have an idea _you_ consider ittoo simple for evening wear; and although I am sorry should such be thecase, I cannot agree with you. The dress seems to me quite suitable, and its charm lies in its very simplicity. A little trinket round theneck, however, might be an improvement, and so, dear, I am going toforestall my Christmas present and give it to you now. I suppose youwill value it none the less because I used to wear it long ago in mygirlhood days;" and Miss Latimer, lifting a string of fairest pearlsfrom the box, clasped them round her niece's neck as she spoke. Nellie's breath came quick and fast. "O auntie! they are never for me, " she gasped excitedly. "They are sobeautiful, and I have been thinking such horrid things. " Aunt Judith smiled. "I do not blame you, child. It is only naturalsuch thoughts should crop up; but, Nellie, I am not so very rich, andcannot afford to be lavish with my money. One never knows what mayhappen, and I must needs guard against a rainy day. No, no; notanother reproachful word. I like to see my child look fair and sweet. Good-night, dear. " And kissing her softly. Miss Latimer pushed therepentant girl from the room with gentle hands. Then closing the door, she drew a low chair close to the fire, and, as she sat quietlythinking, the white, set look Nellie had noticed before settled overthe patient face, while the lips quivered and drooped like those of onein pain. What was the mystery in Aunt Judith's life? What suffering had stampedits refining image on that noble, true face, and bore witness to thefiery trial through which she had passed? Few knew of the life of complete self-renunciation lived out in thatlittle home--the quiet acceptance and patient bearing of a life-longsorrow, and the earnest endeavour day after day to follow closely theMaster's footsteps, and live his holy, blameless life. But some day inthe great hereafter, she knew the mystery of suffering would beexplained, and that there what was here sown weeping would be reaped injoy and gladness; and knowing this, Aunt Judith was content to wait. CHAPTER IX. THE CHRISTMAS PARTY. It was the evening of the party. The bustle and confusion which hadreigned throughout the day were now over, and the whole house blazedwith light; while the hall-door, standing hospitably open, seemed tooffer a gracious welcome to the approaching guests. "How do I look, Win?" inquired Dick of his sister as they stoodtogether in the large drawing-room a little apart from the othermembers of the family. "This get-up is awful, " and the boy looked downwith a gesture of disgust on his elegant evening suit. "You'll do beautifully, " pronounced Win, pirouetting in front of him, ablithe little fairy, with soft cloudy dress of glistening fabric. "Don't look so fierce, dear boy, however, or you will frighten all theyoung ladies from your side. " Dick struggled into his gloves. "Much I care so far as that goes, " hegrumbled. "What I wish to know is, why one needs all this war-paintand tomfoolery. Can a fellow not be allowed to enjoy himself withoutdressing up a perfect guy? I feel every seam in my coat splitting, andI tell you there will be a tremendous explosion soon. Just listen!"and bending forward, the boy proved the truth of his words as anominous crack sounded, and Winnie's dismayed eye caught the glimpse ofa tiny hole in one of the back seams. "Be careful, " she cried in an awestricken voice; "there is a split, andyou'll make it worse if you wriggle about so. Be a good boy, Dickie, and try to prove agreeable to every one. " Saying this, Winnie treated her brother to a charming smile, and thentripped forward as the first bevy of guests were ushered into the room. Dick made a grimace, twisted his neck, and vehemently denounced highcollars and white ties as being decided nuisances; then remembering hissister's parting injunction, he attempted to call up an angelic smileto his face, and to make his most polite bow on every necessaryoccasion. The room began gradually to fill. One after another carriages came andwent, depositing their happy burdens of laughing boys and girls beforethe great hall-door, near which some little ragged children werestanding, gazing on the fairy figures and joyous faces, and wondering, as the wind fluttered their tattered rags, why the world was sounequally divided--why some should have so much of the good things ofthis life, and others apparently so little. Poor, weary, achinghearts, on whom the burden and heat of the day had already fallen, theyknew not as they watched the carriages come and go, and peeped into thewarm hall all ablaze with light, how assuredly "compensation is twinedwith the lot of high and low, " and that the loving eye of the AlmightyFather was regarding them with the same tender care he bestowed ontheir happier brothers and sisters. They only realized, as the doorclosed at last with a loud clang, and they turned away to theirmiserable homes, that within that large house there were warmth, light, and gladness, and that they were shut out from them all. The calmhushed sky had for them no lessons of faith and peaceful waiting; thebright stars no tale of an Eye that neither slumbers nor sleeps. Theyonly knew it was cold, cold, and that life had for them no brightness. So the little naked figures crept shivering away; and the happy boysand girls gathered together in the beautiful holly-decked drawing-roomnever thought of the dark places of the earth, where the sunshinerarely penetrates, and young hearts know not what it is to laugh theglad joyous laugh of happy childhood. Dick, who had gathered five of his special friends around him, wasevidently holding a consultation in which he himself played the mostprominent part. The subject under consideration was that of showingspecial attention throughout the entire evening to Nellie Latimer, andof completely ignoring Ada Irvine's presence. "Now, comrades, " concluded the young orator, as a loud burst of musicwarned him that the night's entertainment was about to commence, "Ipresume you thoroughly understand me. Not a single hop, remember, withMiss Irvine, and any amount of polkas and waltzes with Miss Latimer. The former is one of your stuck-up young ladies, who grow old beforetheir time; the latter, a tip-top girl like Win. I have told you whatI know concerning both of them; go ahead and prosper, brethren, with myhumble blessing following you. " Dick, as he spoke, changed the tragicattitude he had struck, and assumed one of staid demeanour, whichcontrasted comically with his shock of fiery hair, now standing all onend, as people say, and laughter lurking in his eyes. The boys, however, entered heartily into the spirit of his scheme, andreplied, "You are our leader. Forward then; light the first match, andwe will follow the train, "--whereat they all shook hands and indulgedin a low chuckle of glee. At that moment a pretty, gloved hand touched Dick's arm, and EdithBlake's clear, flute-like voice said, "We are forming sets for thelancers, Dick, and you must dance. Mamma requests you to choose MissIrvine for your partner, so please go and ask her at once. " The boy's eyes flashed mischievously. "You bet I shall, " he repliedwith alacrity; and crossing the room, he stood before Nellie, saying inhis most genial tones, "May I have the pleasure, Miss Latimer?" The young girl looked up with a happy smile. "Certainly, " she said, rising and slipping her hand within his arm; "the music is splendid, and I am so fond of dancing. " "That's right, " answered Dick, leading her into the centre of the room, and vastly enjoying the indignant glances of his step-mother and Edith. "I like a hop myself at times, so I guess we'll get on welltogether. --Now then, gentlemen, bow to your partners;" and as heconcluded, the wild boy swept Nellie the most profound bow, and startedoff through the first figure with more energy than grace. His friends, true to their promise, had all chosen partners, the setswere formed, the music floating through the room, and still Ada Irvineremained in her seat, fair, sweet, and smiling to the outward view, butwith a world of angry passion surging in her heart. As she satwatching the merry boys and girls winding joyously through the mazydance, Mrs. Blake came forward, and, sitting down by her side, proceeded to question her about her parents and their movements abroad;and Ada answered each query in a pretty, graceful manner infinitelycharming. Then school and school-life were touched upon. Had MissIrvine many friends in town? Did she not often feel very lonely? andwhy could she never come and spend an afternoon with Winnie? These andother questions being asked, the first drop of poison was instilledwith the skill and caution of an adept hand. "Winnie and she had been very good friends once, before NellieLatimer's appearance on the scene, but since then a misunderstandinghad arisen and the friendship had been broken up. Was Miss Latimer anamiable girl? Winnie seemed very much attached to her. Ada wouldrather not commit herself, but certainly Nellie's position was not suchas to justify her in being Winnie's chosen friend. Her family werepoor, very poor indeed; her aunts eccentric, winning their own bread, doing their own work, and living in a common locality. " All this, however, was told with much reluctance (at least apparentlyso) and the earnest endeavour to tone down disagreeable parts. Mrs. Blake was charmed, and wondered how Winnie could prefer a fresh, countrified-looking girl to the sweet, amiable creature Miss Irvineappeared to be. As she sat pondering over these things in her heart, Ada's low voice broke again on her ear. "Mrs. Blake, " she pleaded, "kindly do not betray my confidence. Inever meant to tell you anything about myself, and Winnie would hate mewere she to discover that I had prejudiced you against her friend;indeed I am very sorry I spoke. " A true, noble woman would have scorned to condemn any one on account oflowly origin and humble rank in life; but Mrs. Blake was a woman of theworld--proud, arrogant, and haughty. She took little interest in heryounger step-children; they were allowed to live pretty much their ownlives and follow their own desires; but still there were some thingsthat must be checked, and this friendship with a low-born girl was oneof them. Turning to her young guest with a swift, bright smile, she repliedsweetly, "Do not apologize, my dear; I am only too glad to havereceived your information in time. I had no idea Miss Latimer'sfriends were in the position you speak of. Had that been the case, certainly she would not have been here to-night. Winnie is allowed nosmall amount of liberty, but close companionship with a girl so muchher inferior will not be countenanced for a moment. You need not fear, however, my betraying your confidence; and I trust soon to see you andmy wilful little step-daughter fast friends once more. " As she spoke Mrs. Blake rose and moved gracefully away, leaving Adawith a bevy of laughing girls, who came flocking towards her as themusic ceased. "Did you enjoy our dance, Nellie?" inquired Dick, wiping his warmforehead and glancing with ludicrous dismay at the rents in his oncespotless gloves. "I thought it all tip-top. " "Splendid, " replied Nellie decidedly; "and you really managed to getthrough the figures wonderfully well. " The boy's amazed countenance was amusing. "I managed to get through the figures wonderfully well!" he reiteratedin astonishment. "Why, Nellie, I am an accomplished dancer" (with mocksolemnity), "and have been so since the days when I was a little thing. You should see me at the Highland fling and sword-dance. My eye! I goat them well, " and Dick's legs began to shuffle about as if theydesired to commence the performance. Nellie laughed. "Forgive me, " she said pleasantly. "I did not meanany disparagement; only boys, as a rule, do not care about dancing, andyou seemed somehow to enjoy it all so thoroughly. " "That I did" (with emphasis), "but--hallo, Archie! is it really you?"as a boy passed his side at that moment. "Allow me to introduce you toMiss Latimer. --Here, Nellie, is the very partner for you; he will danceyou off your feet in a few minutes, " and Dick, hurrying away, left thetwo young people regarding each other with looks of rather comicaldismay. After that, the evening fled by all too quickly for Nellie, to whomevery moment was fraught with the purest pleasure. Dick saw she had nolack of partners, and constituted himself her guardian for the night, greatly to Mrs. Blake's annoyance and Winnie's satisfaction. Theformer could find no means of laying any more commands on him, for theboy mischievously eluded her every attempt to cross his path, andfailed most provokingly to catch her eye when a convenient seasonpresented itself for so doing. Nellie, with true appreciation of hiskindness, thanked him warmly in her innocent heart, and thought she hadnever spent such a pleasant evening. There was never a cloud to darkenher enjoyment or dim the brightness of her happy face. Mrs. Blake'sstudied avoidance passed by unnoticed, as also the haughty looks ofWinnie's elder sisters; and even Ada Irvine's calm, contemptuous facefailed to ruffle her joyous spirit. Long years afterwards she liked to look back on that evening ofthorough, uninterrupted enjoyment, when she could say in all sincerityand truth, "I was happy;" when she danced with what seemed to be wingedfeet, and the smile of gladness was ever on her lips. Closing her eyessoftly, she could see it all again--the large holly-deckeddrawing-room, with its blazing lights and bevy of merry boys and girls;Winnie's little figure flitting here and there--her flushed cheeks andgreat starry eyes; Dick's honest freckled face and kindly smile; andthe beautiful, stately hostess, who moved in the midst of them all withthe dignity of a queen. The Christmas tree was a great success, the presents being pretty andappropriate. Winnie smiled her delight over a dainty long-wished-forwork-box; Dick chuckled at the splendid pair of skates now in hispossession; Ada looked gratified when a lovely fan was handed down toher; and Nellie was speechless over a pretty morocco purse. "It has been all so splendid, Winnie dear, " she whispered whengood-nights were being exchanged; "just like fairyland. I have enjoyedmyself wonderfully. And now be sure and come soon to Dingle Cottage;you will have plenty of time during the holidays, and Aunt Judith iswearying to see you. " "I'll be only too glad, Nell, " replied her friend, kissing her warmly;"but I must get mamma's permission first. --Dick, see Nellie safely intothe cab. " Then the carriage rolled away, and the wonderful Christmasparty was over. "I think, " said Winnie, coming into the large diningroom after the lastguest had departed, and finding her brother (alas that I should have toconfess it!) prowling round the table and surreptitiously pocketingsomething from every tempting dish he saw thereon, "we have had abeautiful night, and I am sure the party has been a decided success. " "So far as the food is concerned it has, " answered the boy, regardingthe good things heaped before him with a loving eye. "I say, Win, dolet us have a tuck in at this soufflé here; we shall never see it afterto-night, and it is such prime stuff. " Winnie laughed. "You'll require to hurry then, Dick, " she replied;"the servants will be here in a few minutes. " So the two younggourmands sat down and commenced a second supper ere the lights wereput out and the mandate issued--"Go to bed. " For a few seconds nothing was said, both being too busily engaged withthe contents of their plates to join in any conversation; but at lastDick poised his spoon in the air and commenced in a serio-comic tone, -- "I guess we shall have to pay for our evil deeds this evening. I sawthe storm-warning hoisted on our step-mother's face all night, so lookout for squalls. " "Whatever do you mean?" inquired Winnie, glancing up from her platewith an innocent look. "I do not understand you, my dear boy. " "Oh, do you not?" replied the dear boy, mimicking her tones, andtwisting his amiable countenance into an altogether indescribableexpression. "Do you imagine your conduct towards the lovely Ada wasnot observed and commented upon by our mother and stuck-up sisters? Ifso, pray rid yourself at once of such a delusion, for I tell you, Win, there's a storm looming in the distance for you and for me. " Winnie pouted. "So be it!" she cried defiantly; "I don't care. I am no hypocrite, Dick, and must act as I feel. I did not wish Ada to come to our party. I hate her with my whole heart, and I believe in just letting her seesuch is the case. " Dick ran his hand through his shock of hair, and opened his eyes aswidely as he possibly could. "My word, we're waxing eloquent, " heobserved approvingly. "Go it, little sister; you're doing first-rate;"and he helped himself liberally to another supply of soufflé as hespoke. "What a tease you are!" said Winnie, pushing aside her plate with agesture of petulance; "you know I am in earnest, not in fun. " "True, my queen" (with a mock bow), "therefore I shall no longerdescend to vulgar jesting. But seriously, Win, I tell you frankly themother is awfully angry at us. You did not study her face, perhaps, but I watched closely, and saw a regular thunder-cloud on her brow allnight. How could it be otherwise, when she noticed your steadyavoidance of her favourite and my open rudeness?" "I enjoyed your open rudeness vastly, Dick, " interrupted the girl, witha twinkle sparkling in her eye and a mischievous smile on her lip. "Icould have hugged you every time you danced with Nellie, and when I sawyou trooping your boys up to her. Why, she was quite a belle amongstyou all. " "Yes; I flatter myself we trotted her out very well, and the fellowsall agree she is good fun. But oh, what a dodging I had to manage mypoint! Every few minutes I descried the mother bearing down upon me, and was obliged to skeedaddle. " Dick's language never was remarkablefor elegance. "Well, I am not the least wee bit sorry for my behaviour, " said Winnie, rising as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps; "and if I am toget a scolding I must just get it. You'll be able to console me whenit is over, will you not? Meantime I intend to forget it all in sleep, so--good-night, Dick;" and the little fairy, in her soft, airygarments, waved him a tiny kiss as she vanished from the room andhurried to her own pretty apartment. Dick, with his well-filled pockets, retired also; the servantsentering, closed the shutters and put out the lights; the feeble fireflickered for a little, then died slowly, and deep, unbroken slumbersettled over all. Meanwhile, outside in the quiet night the snow was falling softly, silently--wrapping the sleeping earth in a pure, unsulliedwinding-sheet, and covering the church steeples with its featheryflakes. Hush! hush! how silently, yet how quickly, the snow showersfell. Slowly the hours passed by. Morning stealing in swept back theclouds of night and darkness, and the sun, peeping through with hiswarm, genial ray, shone down with a light which grew brighter andbrighter as the world wakened up and the merry Christmas bells senttheir happy chimes pealing through the frosty air. CHAPTER X. GATHERING CLOUDS. Rough, rumpled hair, two soft eyes drowned in tears, flushed, angrycheeks and pouting lips, was the picture which met Dick's view onemorning when he entered the oak parlour two days after the eventfulparty. Christmas had passed by pleasantly and tranquilly for bothchildren. They had had the regular Christmas dinner--turkey, mince-pies, plum-pudding, etc. --and the afternoon and evening had beenfilled with youthful pleasure and amusement. Sabbath also was calm andpeaceful, so calm, indeed, that Winnie began to think their fears weregroundless, and Mrs. Blake's annoyance a mere myth; but Dick, moresuspicious, decided it was only the lull before the storm, and on theMonday he found his suspicions verified. The hurricane burst, andresulted in a forlorn little maiden bathed in tears, and a boy whoseheart burned within him at the remembrance of cruel words and unjustaccusations. "I say, Win, " he cried, coming forward into the room and leaning hiselbows on the table with careless disregard to elegance of attitude, "what a miserable object you look! for all the world like a drownedrat. Can't you dry those weeping eyes and speak to a fellow for a fewminutes? It is dreadful being treated to a regular shower-bath in thiscold weather, " and Dick tried to conjure up the faintest glimmer of asmile to the dolorous countenance. Winnie wailed: "O Dick, I was so happy; and now everything is wrong. Mamma says she is very much displeased with me, and--" but here sobschoked the little plaintive voice, and rendered the latter part of thesentence quite unintelligible. Her brother's lips curled. "Win, " he said impressively, "you're a good little creature, and themother is fond of you. In a few days she will forget all thisannoyance, and things will go on with you as smoothly as before; but Iam different. I shall never be able to blot out of my heart the wordsthe governor" (Dick's usual name for his father) "said to me thismorning, --never so long as I live. It was not only about thisaffair--that I could have stood--but he raked up all my sins andshortcomings from the days when I was a little boy, and heaped them, one after the other, on the top of my devoted head. I was bad, stupid, and awkward--the disgrace of the school, and the butt of my companions. He was perfectly ashamed of me, and so on. " Dick's eyes were flaming. "But I tell you, Win, what it is: the crisis has come, and I'll dosomething desperate. " His sister's tears overflowed again. "I hate crying, I do indeed, " shesaid, scrubbing her cheeks viciously at every fresh outburst; "but thenasty little trickly drops will come. Dick, dear old boy, I'm sorryfor you; will you not be sorry for me too? Just listen: I am never tohave Nellie for my friend again. She must never come here, and I mustnever go and see Aunt Judith any more. " Dick looked up in amazement. "Why not, Win? What has all that to dowith your conduct towards Ada?" "I don't know, " with another quiver of the lips. "Mamma spoke aboutNellie first, asking where she lived, and if her aunts worked in anyway. Of course I told her simply what I knew, and then she said allour friendship must end now; she would never have allowed Nellie to beinvited to our party had she known so much about her before. " "But dear me, Win, " interrupted the boy impatiently, "the motherconsented when you asked to spend that afternoon at Dingle Cottage sometime ago. Why should she turn round and condemn the friendship now?" "Oh, I can explain that easily. Mamma was hurrying to go out withClare and Edith when I begged permission, and said yes without makingany inquiries; but she scarcely spoke to Nellie on Friday evening, andI cannot understand what has made her so angry all at once. " "Did she say anything against Nellie personally?" "No; but she is not in my position in life, and I must not make afriend and confidante of her. We may speak at school of course, butthat is all, " and Winnie's grief burst out afresh at this point. Dick meditated. "I wonder, " he said at length, a slow light dawning in his eyes, "ifAda Irvine can have been putting the mother up to this? It would bequite in keeping with some of her low dodges. " Winnie shook her head. "I thought so myself at first, but mamma led meto believe otherwise. She says Ada is such a sweet, amiable girl, andmuch more suitable in every way than Nellie for a friend. I fired upat that, however, and declared I hated Ada, adding she was a sneak, anddid horrible things at school. " "Oh, you would give her true character to the mother, I have no doubt, "put in Dick with twinkling eyes; "but the question is, 'What was theeffect?'" "'I was prejudiced--and no one is faultless in this world. '" A short period of silence followed, during which Winnie wept copiously, and Dick sat beating a tattoo on the table. "You'll soon have no eyes left, " he observed practically, as the littledrenched handkerchief was again brought into use to wipe away theflowing tears. "Cheer up, Win, old girl, and don't look as if yourgrandmother had died half an hour ago. " "But you do not know the worst of it yet, Dick, " cried the girl, raising her tear-stained face and speaking in heart-breaking tones. "Ipromised Nellie I would come and spend one afternoon with her duringthe holidays, and now I can't get. Oh! I wish so much to go. " "Then do so, " replied Dick doggedly. "There's no great harm in that;and after all, what reward does one receive for being conscientious andobedient?" His sister looked aghast. "I dare not, " she whispered; "mamma would beso angry. And yet--if I might go only this once. " Dick being in anything but a filial mood said decidedly, "There's nouse in whining and moaning, Win. You can spend Wednesday afternoon atDingle Cottage if you wish, without any one in the house finding thatout. Edith and Clare are away from home; Algy and Tom never troubleabout us; and both the mother and governor will be spending that entireday with the Harveys at Springfield. As for nurse and the servants, I'll manage them. " "Let me think, " replied Winnie. She leaned forward towards the table, drooped her head slowly on her little white hands, and then thestruggle began--the struggle between good and evil, between the pathsof right and wrong. "Just this once, " she murmured yearningly--"only this once;" and as shestrove and wrestled inwardly, it seemed as if two figures stolesilently to her side and stood with earnest eyes watching the wearybattle. "I'll never do it again, " she muttered, "but--only to saygood-bye;" and at this the dark figure smiled triumphantly, while thewhite, spotless one listened with saddening eyes. This was no mean struggle in which Winnie was engaged. Many a one hadfallen under a lesser temptation; for a visit to Aunt Judith meantmuch, oh so much, to her. There was something in the atmosphere ofDingle Cottage that raised the young girl to a loftier, purer standard;something that made her yearn after what was good and holy, and stirredup the childish heart to reach after the things which belong unto ourpeace. She would never feel so again. How could she, when there wasnone to guide her in the paths of right--none to tell how she mightweave a golden sunshine into her life, and leave lingering tracks oflight behind her? All these thoughts passed through her childish brainas she sat with low bowed head and aching heart, thinking andstruggling, oh so wearily. At length the contest was ended; andturning to Dick with a look of firm determination on her face, Winniesaid briefly, "I will go. " So the struggle was over, and the darkfigure reigned triumphant, while the white-robed one stole weeping away. "Write and let Nellie know then, " replied Dick, preparing to leave theroom. "I am going off to skate with Archie Trollope, and can post yourletter on my way to the pond if you choose. " Winnie opened her desk--a birthday gift--and her heart smote her as shewrote in a crude, girlish hand:-- "_December 27th, 18--_. "MY DEAR NELLIE, --I shall come and spend Wednesday afternoon with youall at Dingle Cottage. If suitable, do not trouble replying to thisscribble. -- Your loving friend, WINNIE M. BLAKE. " "There, " she said, sealing the envelope and handing it to her brother, "I have written; and you--you will come for me at night, Dick. " "Of course I shall, Win, " answered the boy, looking down with wistful, loving eyes on his favourite sister, "and we shall have a jolly timefor once. Put all gloomy thoughts aside, old girl, and let us be happywhile we may. " With that he treated her to a rough, hearty embrace, making teasing remarks at the same time about boiled gooseberry eyesand swollen lids; then giving one parting hug, marched out of the room, and a few minutes after the loud clanging of the hall-door intimatedthat Master Richard Blake had gone out for the day. The afternoon was spent by Winnie in driving with her step-mother, whotried in many pleasant ways to atone for the morning's harshness; andso well did she succeed that the little girl's heart ached sorely andquailed at the remembrance of the deceit she was practising. But, shewould never do it again, no, never again, and only this once could notbe such a very great sin. So the time passed, and Wednesday came at last, a true winter's day, with snow-mantled earth and keen, hard frost. "Don't be late in coming for me, Dick, " was Winnie's partinginjunction, as he saw her safely into the 'bus. "I shall expect yousoon after tea. " And the boy promised. The little sister looked after him as he strode briskly away. "What adear, kind brother he is!" she murmured lovingly. "How should I managewithout him? Good old Dick. He is all the world to me. " And the boy, tramping along the slippery streets with giant steps, wasmuttering--"Poor Win! she will fret very much at first, and I shallmiss her sorely; but it can't be helped--I must run away. " Meanwhile the 'bus, whirling rapidly through the busy streets, stoppedin due time at Broomhill Road, and Winnie, alighting with flushed, expectant face, found Nellie awaiting her eagerly. "How good of you to come, dear! and how pretty you look!" she said, kissing her little guest affectionately. "I was so pleased to get yournote on Monday evening. " "You cannot guess how glad I am to be here, Nellie, " replied Winniesimply, slipping her hand through her friend's arm as they walkedrapidly along the quiet road. "Your home seems like an Eden to me, andspending a few hours with you all there one of my greatest pleasures. " After this both tongues went merrily till Dingle Cottage was reached, and Winnie stood once more in the snug parlour, listening to the heartywelcomes which fell so pleasantly on her ears. The tiny home wore itsusual air of cosy comfort, and the faces of its inmates seemedpositively to shine with happiness and content. Aunt Debby's chubbycountenance was all aglow, and Aunt Meg's peevish visage, havingapparently caught the reflex of her smile, looked very fair and sweetas the invalid turned it brightly towards the youthful visitor. "A thousand welcomes, child!" cried Miss Deborah delightedly, drawingWinnie to her ample bosom, and treating the girl to a hearty hug (theword, though not eloquent, is singularly expressive); "it is good tosee your pretty face again. This is Aunt Meg, " pointing to theinvalid. "I do not think you have ever met her before. " Then Winniewas obliged to cross over to the sofa and shake the thin white handthat looked so small and fragile. "Is your brother coming for you at night, dear?" inquired Miss Latimer, turning from her seat by the window and giving the young guest atender, loving glance in answer to a certain wistful look cast in herdirection. "Oh yes; he promised, " replied Winnie assuredly. Then with a littleburst of vehemence--"Dear Aunt Judith, I wish to enjoy myself so very, very much to-day, and be ever so happy. " All looked startled at the passion in the girl's voice, with theexception of Aunt Debby, who viewed everything in a practical light. "So, so! very good indeed, " she said, knitting industriously, and withadded vigour. "We'll do our best to gratify your wish, child; and oneought to be specially happy at this season of the year, I suppose. " The talk then became general, and Aunt Meg, laying aside her fretfulvoice for the time being, wakened up and became the life of the smallparty, chatting in such a pretty, graceful manner, and seemingaltogether so full of animation, that Winnie wondered if this couldreally be the cross, peevish invalid Nellie had so often described. Ere long, however, she learned that appearances are sometimesdeceitful, and that a gentle face and plaintive air can often beassumed as occasion warrants. It so happened that just as Miss Deborahwas preparing to see about the tea the postman's knock sounded at thedoor, and one of the dear home-letters was handed to Nellie. "Please excuse me, " she said to Winnie, breaking the seal andcommencing to read; "the children have been ill with scarlet fever, andI am anxious to know if they are better. " The sheets were large and closely written, consequently some littletime was spent over them; but at length the last word was read, andthen Nellie, replacing the letter in its envelope, said with a happysmile, "Mother writes the little ones are improving daily, and shethinks they will soon be quite well. She sends you all her love, andis glad to hear Aunt Meg is feeling so much stronger. She hopes, ifthe improvement continues, to see either you, Aunt Judith, or AuntDebby home with me in the summer-time. " The invalid's face darkened, and Miss Deborah's merry orbs twinkledominously. Nothing suited Miss Margaret better than to pose as asaintly sufferer, burdened day by day with a weary load ofnever-ceasing pain. It was wonderfully pleasant at times to assume the_rôle_ of the patient martyr, and talk of lonely days and nights bornewithout murmuring. But once hint at any visible improvement, oncemention an increase of colour on the pallid cheeks or a clearer lightin the dimmed eyes, and Aunt Meg's wrath knew no bounds. Havingfathomed this secret in the invalid's nature, we can readily understandthe twinkle lurking in Aunt Debby's orbs as she scented the comingstorm. "Who told you I was feeling better, Nellie?" demanded Miss Margaret;and Winnie started at the anger in the voice, only a few minutes sinceso soft and gentle. "Who gave you authority to utter--to write such afalsehood? Better!" (with infinite scorn), "and my poor frame rackedwith such excruciating pain. Do you imagine, because a load is bornewith unmurmuring patience, that the weight is gradually lessening andthe burden will soon be lifted? Answer me at once. Who dared to tellyou I was much stronger?" Nellie's amazement was extreme, but she replied quietly, while Winniesat by Miss Latimer's side, every fibre of her mischievous naturequivering with thorough enjoyment. "I only said what I believed to betrue, Aunt Meg. You have been looking better, and I heard Aunt Judithtelling a lady the other week that there was a very marked improvementlately, and that she was thankful to be able to say so. " Miss Margaret cast a withering glance at Miss Latimer's quiet face. "That is all in a piece with the rest of Judith's stinginess, " sheobserved sneeringly. "I know only too well why she speaks of beingthankful. Were I to regain my wonted strength, there would naturallybe less nourishing food required and fewer doctor's bills. Oh! I onlywish I could honestly say I feel a daily increase of health; but, alas!the very thought of being a heavy burden and viewed in the light of aconstant nuisance helps to weaken and keep me low. " At this point Nellie drew Winnie towards the window and tried to engageher in conversation; while Aunt Debby, lowering her voice, muttered, audibly enough, however, for the girls to hear, "Don't make a fool ofyourself, Meg, and talk such utter rubbish. " The invalid's rage increased, and she was about to make some rejoinder, when Miss Latimer interposed. "Hush, Margaret, " said the quiet, gentlevoice; "for my sake do not speak so before the children. You knowperfectly well, dear, you are wilfully misinterpreting my words. I amonly too happy to be able to gladden your life in any way. " But the invalid refused to be pacified. "Ah! I understand you, Judith. You do not wish to have your truecharacter exposed to the public. It suits you to pose as the saintabroad, I suppose, and--" but here Miss Latimer interrupted her. "Margaret, " she replied firmly, "you must either be silent or leave theroom. I cannot listen to such conversation in the presence of ourguest; and if you refuse to comply one way or the other, I shall beobliged to send the girls into my study. " "Oh no! not at all, " returned Aunt Meg, her voice suddenly assuming themost plaintive, martyr-like tone; "the house does not belong tome. --Debby, will you assist me to my bedroom? and--no, Judith, I couldnot think of troubling you; but perhaps Nellie would help her poor auntfor once. " Now all this time Winnie had been enjoying the tragic scene immensely, and shaking inwardly with suppressed laughter, greatly to Nellie'sdistress. "Oh, be quiet, Win; she will hear you, " whispered the girl hurriedly, as a low ripple of laughter was hastily smothered by a mock cough. Butthe warning came too late. Aunt Meg caught the choking sound and in amoment the saintly expression on her face gave place to one of intenserage and indignation. This sudden transformation was too much forWinnie's risible faculties. The whole affair struck her in such acomical light that she lost all control over herself, and, with a wildburst of stifled laughter fled hastily from the parlour to Nellie'sbedroom, where that young lady quickly followed. "Close the door--close the door, Nell!" gasped Winnie, holding herhandkerchief to her mouth and vainly endeavouring to suppress thelaughter. "I know it's dreadfully wicked to behave in this manner, butI can't help myself, " and off the child went again; while Nellie, unable to resist, joined in the merry peal. When both stopped atlength, the tears were running down their cheeks, at the sight of whichWinnie nearly repeated the performance. "This is awful, " she panted, wiping her eyes and fanning her hot cheeks violently; "but when I beginto laugh I must just continue till I have emptied all the laughter outof me: then I am all right. No, Nellie, do not go away yet; wait tillI am quite calm. " Before Nellie could reply, Aunt Debby opened the door, and looking inshook her head admonishingly. "I should like to know if you are notboth ashamed of yourselves, " she said severely; but there was laughterlurking in her eyes and playing about the corners of her lips whichbelied the severity of her words. Winnie jumped up, and throwing herarms round the good lady's neck, replied, "I have been very rude andnaughty, dear Miss Deborah; but indeed I did not mean any harm, " andshe held up her rosy mouth for a kiss of pardon. "There, there, it's all right, child. I understand. Come down to theparlour now; tea is ready. " And with that, active, cheery Aunt Debbytrotted away, leaving the two culprits to follow at their leisure. CHAPTER XI. "IT IS SO HARD TO SAY GOOD-BYE. " When Nellie and Winnie re-entered the parlour they found the tablespread, Aunt Debby seated as usual before the urn, and Miss Latimerstanding by the window gazing up at the murky sky, where the leadenclouds predicted a gathering snowstorm. Winnie ran up to her. "AuntJudith, " she said humbly, "I am very much ashamed of myself; pleaseforgive me. " Miss Latimer patted the upraised face, and the pained look died out ofher eyes. "Never mind, child, " she replied pleasantly; "it is allright. I understand" (as the girl still looked anxious); "I know youhad no thought of grieving us. " So the subject was dropped, and once more they gathered round thesimple board whereon every dainty was displayed with such charmingtaste. There, tongues loosened and the merry chatting recommenced, while Winnie's spirits rose wonderfully. Putting from her with astrong determined will every sad thought and the burden of grief so newfor her to bear, she laughed and talked, the gayest of thegay--speaking in her own quaint style, and laughing her own clearripple of silvery laughter. After tea Miss Latimer called her into the cosy study, and bidding herseat herself snugly, she said: "Aunt Debby requires Nellie's assistancefor a short time at present, so you will have to endure an old maid'scompany meanwhile; but before we settle ourselves to enjoy a nice, cosychat, I wish you to accept a Christmas gift from me. It is my latestwork, and I only received the first copies yesterday. I have writtenyour name on the title-page, and I think, dear, you will value thelittle volume for my sake. " As she spoke Aunt Judith handed a smallbook, beautifully bound in blue and gold, to her young visitor, whoreceived it at first in speechless silence. She looked at the prettyvolume--the elegant binding and clear, bold type; then with a great cryflung herself down by Miss Latimer's side and sobbed out, "Oh, I loveyou so, you are so kind to me; and it is so hard to say good-bye. " Aunt Judith seemed amazed. "I do not understand you, child, " she saidsimply. "What do you mean? Try to calm yourself and explain, dear. " Then between sobs the story of a child's grief was laid before MissLatimer, and told with such a depth of pathos that the listener's softwomanly heart ached in response to the plaintive tale. "And your mother does not know you are here to-day, Winnie?" sheinquired when the sad little voice had ceased. "You had no permissionfrom her to come?" The girl shook her head. "I suppose I am very disobedient, " was thesimple answer; "but, Aunt Judith, the temptation was too hard toresist. I felt I must see you all again, even though it was only tosay good-bye. " Miss Latimer sighed. "You must not come any more, dear, never afterto-night--at least not until your mother gives her full, free consent. You think all this very hard, little Winnie, but you do not know howdeeply I feel about it also. You had stolen into my heart, child, andI was beginning to find your love very sweet and precious--not that Ishall love you less or cease to care for you, but all this pleasantsocial intercourse must end now. Nay, do not grieve so, darling. Itis all very dark and perplexing to you at present perhaps; but restassured God has some beautiful lessons for us to learn--lessons thatwill give us a glimpse of, and may yet prove as stepping-stones to, that higher life which is the only life worth living. " Winnie sighed despairingly. "Aunt Judith, " she said, raising a pair ofwet eyes full of a child's agony to the listener's face, "I shall neverbe good now. You do not know the pleasure it has been to me to comehere, or the strange thoughts that fill my heart when I see how happyyou all are in this dear little home. Somehow God seems very nearhere, Aunt Judith, and the Christ-life you talk about so beautiful, Igo away determined to try to lead it too--to be good, brave, and true. But that is all over now; for oh! no one in my home speaks of God andheaven, or talks softly of Jesus and his love, and I can't be good ifnone will stretch out a helping hand and show me the way. " Miss Latimer drew the little quivering figure closer in her embrace asshe answered, "Don't say that, child, don't say that. A human friendoften leads astray--God never. We must not rest our entire confidenceon human guides, or lean altogether on earthly props, but, holding outour hands to the great Father above, with all the simplicity of littlechildren, leave ourselves unreservedly in his keeping. Sometimes theway is dark--so dark, dear" (and the gentle voice faltered for amoment), "sometimes the path proves rugged and steep; but, littleWinnie, -- 'The easy path in the lowlands hath little of grand or new, But a toilsome ascent leads on to a wide and glorious view; Peopled and warm is the valley, lonely and chill the height, But the peak that is nearer the storm cloud is nearer the stars of light. ' And so, dear, in the time of shadow rest in the hollow of God's hand, and Christ himself will help you to lead his own perfect life. " The conversation at this point being interrupted by the arrival ofDick, Miss Latimer found no opportunity of renewing it that evening;but while Winnie, who had once more dashed the tears from her eyes witha child's abandonment of grief, was busily engaged with Miss Deborahand Nellie, she drew the boy aside, and with his aid was able to gathertogether the scattered threads of his sister's disconnected story. Dick could not very well understand how, but there was something aboutAunt Judith which seemed to inspire confidence; and although MissLatimer with delicate tact retrained from asking more than wasabsolutely necessary, the boy found himself laying bare his heart quiteunintentionally, and ended by confessing his determination to run awayto sea. "I must go, " he finished doggedly; "I can't stand this kind oflife any longer, and--I won't. " Miss Latimer looked very grave. "I have no right to interfere, Dick, " she said quietly, "and perhaps Ishould scarcely have listened to your story; but from what has beentold me and my own eyes have seen, I thought Winnie's brother one whowould scorn to do a cowardly, dishonourable action. " The boy looked amazed at the strong, emphatic language; while AuntJudith, nothing daunted, continued, -- "Yes, it is perfectly true, Dick. You see I do not fear to speak as Ithink, and such a course as you purpose pursuing seems to me both meanand sinful. Running away--stealing out of your father's house like athief in the night; try to picture it fully, clearly to yourself, andthen let me hear your verdict once again. You talk of always havinglonged for a sailor's life; you speak about the great attraction of thesea. Well, that in itself is good; but why go forth to it in the wayyou are contemplating? Have you ever spoken to your father on thesubject?" "Never, " replied Dick; "but my step-mother and sisters knew all aboutit. " "And what was their verdict?" "Laughter, and the information that I was too great a stupid to be asailor. " The boy's tones were very bitter. Miss Latimer scanned the honest, open face, and replied, -- "Well, Dick, we hardly know each other yet, and it may be you willdenounce me as an interfering old maid; but if I may proffer my advice, I would say, Lay your heart bare before your father, tell him simplywhat your desire is; and if after that he says 'Go, ' then God'sblessing follow you, my dear boy. " She rose as she spoke, and crossing the room joined the group chattingso pleasantly together, while Dick remained quietly in his seat. Butthere sprang up in the boy's heart that night a pure, holy feeling ofrespect, almost amounting to veneration, for all women who, like MissLatimer, kept their garments white and unsullied in this evil world, and stood up so bravely in the cause of truth and right. He neverforgot the soft, tender voice or the warm pressure of the hand as shereasoned with him; but thinking it all over in the still night-hush, hedetermined to win her approbation, and carve out for himself a noblelife. The evening passed by very rapidly for both Winnie and Dick, and atlength it was time to say good-bye. Nellie and Miss Deborah, being still in ignorance as to the courseevents had taken, wondered at the child's low sob when Miss Latimerkissed her, and marvelled even more at her strange conduct in runningdown the garden path immediately after, without pausing to bid one andall her usual merry good-night. But the explanation was soon made; andthen Aunt Debby's indignation blazed forth, while Nellie listened insimple amazement to the strange tale. "The very idea, Judith!" gasped the good lady, shaking her head withsuch vehemence that all the little curls in front danced and coquettedwith one another; "just as if we would contaminate the child, or wereso very much her inferiors. Dear heart! I declare the news has givenme quite a turn--it is so absurd. " "I think we had better drop the subject altogether, Debby, " repliedMiss Latimer. "Nellie, I know, will respect her aunts' wishes, and actas we think best. --Will you not, my child?" "Of course, auntie, " murmured Nellie faintly; "but I don't quiteunderstand. Why could Winnie come here with full permission one dayand be forbidden the next? I know, " she continued bitterly--"at leastit is not Ada Irvine's fault if I do not--that I am very much Winnie'sinferior in many ways; but still Mrs. Blake knew all that before. "Here Nellie burst into tears, for she was only human, and wounded prideand vanity mingled with genuine grief at the loss of her friend. "Comfort her yourself, Judith, " muttered Aunt Debby, meditating a rapidexit to the kitchen. "If I begin, I shall be sure to be sayingsomething spiteful and wicked, for my temper is at boiling-point justnow, " and with that the good lady disappeared to the humbler regions, there to vent her indignation in violent washing up of unoffending cupsand saucers. Meanwhile Nellie had her evening talk, but for once it failed to sootheher wounded feelings; and when she lay down on her soft warm bed, shecarried with her bitter, angry thoughts which chased the slumber fromher eyes and the rest from her heart. She could not understand whyMrs. Blake should put an end so suddenly to her intimacy with Winnie;and Aunt Judith either could not or would not throw one single ray oflight on the subject. The whole story would leak out at school, andwhat a time would follow! Nellie writhed inwardly at the awfulprospect, and wept bitterly, till at length, thoroughly worn out, shefell fast asleep, and the silent passing hours ushered in the dawn ofanother new day. CHAPTER XII. "I ALWAYS SPEAK AS I THINK. " The Christmas holidays were over now, and once more governesses andpupils were busy giving and receiving instruction in Mrs. Elder'sSelect Establishment for Young Ladies. A few scholars still remainedabsent, reluctant perhaps to come back to hard work after three weeks'ease and gaiety; and amongst the list of truants was the name ofWinnifred Blake, whose blithe little face had been like a ray ofsunlight in the dingy school-room. "Confined to the house throughindisposition, " Mrs. Elder explained to each anxious inquirer after thetiny favourite. "Nothing serious; only a cold caught duringholiday-time. " But the days passed by, and still no Winnie appeared. Nellie had never seen or heard of her since that night at DingleCottage when they had laughed so heartily together over poor Aunt Megand her infirmities; and she felt the separation keenly. At first theother school-mates plied her with questions regarding Winnie's absence, all of which she was unable to answer or parry successfully; and so bydegrees, and the help of Ada's sarcastic tongue, the secret oozed out, and Nellie's star paled accordingly. The poisoned shaft ofcarefully-veiled words struck home with new power: there was no Winnieto whom to turn for sympathy, and so the old cross had to be taken upagain and carried day after day. Some of the girls sided sensibly withNellie, and tried to make school-life pleasant to her; but they wereunfortunately in the minority, and often got snubbed and censured bythe others for their kindness. One afternoon, however, as Nellie was wending her way home from school, a hand was laid on her shoulder, while an honest, kindly voice saidsuddenly in her ear, "Well, it is good to get a peep at you again, Nell. How are you?" and Dick's freckled face shone down on the rosyone by his side. The girl looked up with a happy smile. "O Dick!" she gasped; and thenit seemed as if words failed her, and she stood simply holding hishand, and gazing with such genuine happiness into his eyes that the boylaughed outright. "What's up, Nell?" he inquired teasingly. "I declare such evidentadmiration makes me feel quite bashful. " Nellie gave a little soft smile. "Don't be a tease, Dick, " she said;"I am only so pleased to see you and hear about Winnie. " Dick placed his hand on his heart and bowed. "The pleasure is mutual, "he began; but receiving an energetic shake of the arm he continued, "Oh, Win will soon be all right. She's been croaking like a raven forthe last fortnight or so, but is almost well now. " "When did she catch cold?" Dick lowered his voice. "Coming home that night from Dingle Cottage. We missed the 'bus--walked--and Win caught a chill. " "Was she very ill?" "Oh no; but the doctor would not allow her to go out or even run fromone room to the other, so she has been cooped up in the oak parlour allthis time. " "Tell her I am very sorry, and she is to accept my dear love. Willyou, Dick?" and Nellie looked pleadingly up in the boy's kindly face. "That I shall" (with emphasis). "And, here, I may as well give you apiece of information, Nell. This is Wednesday--on Saturday afternoon Isail for Calcutta. " Nellie stared. "What do you mean?" she cried in bewilderment. "Precisely what I say, my dear girl, " replied the wild boy, vastlyenjoying her amazement. "Perhaps you'll never see me any more, so do alittle weep--no, not here, " as Nellie out of mischief slipped her handinto her pocket; "we should have a crowd round us in no time if youdid, but in the--ahem!--privacy of your own room;" and Dick's eyessparkled. "Calcutta! Does that mean you are going to be a sailor after all? ODick, have you gained your wish at last? I am so glad for your sake. " Human sympathy is very sweet. Dick's face beamed as he answered, "Yes, Nell; the governor has given his consent. It was not so very difficultto obtain after all" (a trifle sarcastically), "therefore I'm off onSaturday. " "What is Winnie saying to all this?" The boy's face saddened a little. "Win's a brick, " he replied enthusiastically; "she never says anythingabout herself, but talks of all the different countries I shall see, and hopes no harm will befall me. Dear little Win!" Dick's voice wasvery tender as he spoke. A silence followed, then the boy held out his hand. "Well, Nell, Imust say good-bye now. I'm on an errand of importance, and dare notdelay. Don't quite forget me, and be good to Winnie. There--ta-ta!"and away sped Dick before Nellie had time to utter a single word. About two hours afterwards he re-entered his own home, and madestraight for the oak parlour, chuckling to himself at the thought ofWinnie's delight when he told her his conversation with Nellie. Butdisappointments sometimes accompany our enjoyments, and Dick's brightanticipations of a quiet hour with his favourite sister received adecided check; for on nearing the door, which was slightly ajar, heheard the murmur of voices, and peering in cautiously saw, to his greatdismay, Mrs. Blake and Winnie entertaining no less honourable a visitorthan Miss Irvine. Dick smiled derisively at the tones of thecarefully-modulated voice, and ground his strong, white teeth ondetecting the malicious spite lurking under pretty sentences full ofapparent kindliness. "I must apologize, Winnie, for not calling and inquiring after yourhealth before this, " Ada was saying as Dick approached; "but I havebeen assuming the _rôle_ of an invalid myself lately, and Mrs. Elderwould not allow me to venture out of doors till I was thoroughlyconvalescent. " Mrs. Blake looked affectionately at her young visitor. "I did not knowyou were unwell, my dear. Are you quite recovered now?" "Yes, thank you; but there was not very much wrong with me, dear Mrs. Blake, only a slight touch of cold in the throat. Mrs. Elder is socareful, however, I am sure I owe her a debt of gratitude I shall neverbe able to repay. " Then turning to Winnie, Ada continued with a prettyshow of anxiety, "I was very sorry to hear of your illness, Win. Howdid you manage to catch such a severe cold?" "That is what I cannot tell, " interrupted Mrs. Blake, feeling inclinedto shake her naughty little step-daughter for her sullen behaviourtowards this amiable young visitor. "I happened to be from home oneday during the Christmas holidays, and on my return found Winniecoughing dreadfully and quite fevered with cold. " Ada meditated a few seconds. "I wonder, " she said at length, in slow, deliberate tones, "if your illness dated from that afternoon you spentat Dingle Cottage almost a month ago? I was visiting an old woman, aformer _nurse_ of mine, who lives in the house opposite, that same day, and remember perfectly seeing you and Miss Latimer standing together atone of the windows. " "Surely you must have been mistaken, my dear. Winnie never visits atDingle Cottage now, " Mrs. Blake interposed unconsciously. "Perhaps, but I hardly think so. However" (with a look of the utmostinnocence), "Winnie will be able to solve that riddle, " and thespiteful girl turned towards her sick friend and awaited the reply. Winnie's cheeks were burning, and the great eyes full of a witheringcontempt. Raising them calmly to her visitor's placid face, andwithout a trembling of the proud young lips, she answeredquietly, --"Your surmise was correct, Ada. I did spend an afternoonlately at Dingle Cottage; and I am afraid, as you so kindly hintedbefore, that my cold dated from that night. " Mrs. Blake was angry, very angry indeed, but too well bred to show herannoyance before her visitor. She changed the subject with ready tact, and made a most fascinating hostess; while Winnie sat in dead silence, with a great scowl disfiguring her pretty face, and Dick danced hisdispleasure on the door-mat. After a short time Ada rose to leave, and holding out a daintily-glovedhand to her sullen companion, said sweetly, "Good-bye, Winnie. I trustyou will soon be better; and if I can possibly find leisure for anothervisit, rest assured I shall drop in on you some day soon. " "Pray, don't, " replied Winnie, wilfully disregarding her step-mother'slook of heavy displeasure. "Your visit has not afforded me such a vastamount of pleasure that I could wish its repetition at an early date. We never were friends, Ada" (with ungoverned passion), "never so longas I can remember. You hate me, and I--I detest you; why, then, willyou persist in assuming a friendship that has no foundation?" Dick's war-dance continued with greater vigour at this point, whileMrs. Blake in haughtiest tones said to Winnie, "How dare you insultMiss Irvine in this manner? Apologize at once, I command you. " Ada's face, as she turned it towards her hostess, wore a sweet, patientlook, with just the tiniest flicker of pain about the curves of theperfect lips. "Please, do not blame Winnie too severely, Mrs. Blake, "she pleaded mildly; "her words are to some extent true, but I--" andthe lids drooped slowly over the lovely eyes, while a faint flushtinged the delicate cheeks--"I was trying to turn over a new leaf andgain Winnie's love. " "My eye, what a cram!" muttered Dick from behind the door. "Oh, butshe acts the hypocrite capitally. Now then for Win's happy reply. Itwill be both sweet and original, I prophesy, for the little monkey isbristling all over like an insulted hedgehog. Here goes!" and theboy's ear was once more applied cautiously to the keyhole. Winnie had risen by this time, and was confronting her adversary with alook almost capable of annihilating a less daring foe than Ada Irvine. Quite undaunted by the fear of future punishment, and recognizing onlythe great wrong this girl was doing her, she said, "I think you are afemale Judas, Ada, and your true character will come to light some day. I know--" but Winnie got frightened at the awful look in Mrs. Blake'seyes, and stopped short, while Ada took refuge in tears. "Come away, my dear, " said her hostess, leading her gently from theroom; "Winnie is not herself today. When the child is in a passion herlanguage is uncontrollable; but I shall see she sends you a properapology for her rudeness. " Dick heard no more, having to slip away at that moment and hide behindone of the statues in the passage during the exit of his step-motherwith the weeping Niobe; but when the sound of their footsteps had diedaway in the distance, he rushed into the oak parlour, and seizingWinnie round the waist, treated her to several convulsive hugs andvarious exclamations of supreme delight. "Well, old girl, you did the thing first-rate, " he panted, throwinghimself into a chair and rubbing his hands vigorously together. "Youdeserve to be commended, Win. Dear heart, as Aunt Debby says, what atongue somebody has!" "I don't care, " pouted Winnie, endeavouring to straighten her sash, which Dick had been using as a handle during the hugging process; "Ionly said what was true, and would repeat it all over again if shecared to listen. " "Bravo! what a hard heart the girl possesses! Cold as an icicle, too, not to melt under the influence of such dewy tears shedfrom--ahem!--'sweetest eyes were ever seen. '" "Crocodile tears!" (with scorn. ) "I don't know how she managed tosqueeze them up. I never saw Ada Irvine weep before. As forapologizing, I won't, no matter what happens. " "Perhaps your gentle friend had an onion hidden within the folds ofher--_mouchoir_. See how nicely I can speak French. You remember, inthe story of Beauty and the Beast, how the wicked sisters rubbed theireyes with onions to 'pretend' they were weeping. " Dick's eyes weredancing as he spoke. Winnie's indignation, however, would admit of no reply, and she satsilently, like a little bird with its plumage all ruffled; while herbrother, stretched lazily opposite, gazed on the angry face andsoliloquized accordingly. "Alas for the rarity Of Christian charity, " quoth the incorrigible boy. "Come, Win, be magnanimous for once andforgive. Think what it would be to bask continually in the sunshine ofthe lovely Ada's smiles. But there--poor little bird! did I stroke itspretty feathers all the wrong way, and make it very cross?" How much more Dick would have said remains a mystery, for Mrs. Blakeinterrupted the interesting conversation by her entrance, and commandedhim to leave the room. "I'll take possession of the door-mat once again, " he decided, givingWinnie an encouraging look as he passed out. "Eavesdropping is a low, mean thing, I know; but Win may require my assistance, and altogetherit's as well I should be on the spot. " There is no need to describe the conversation that ensued between Mrs. Blake and her troublesome step-daughter. The good lady was justifiedin her displeasure at Winnie's daring disobedience; but her words werecold, cruel words, little calculated to inspire the love and confidenceof a warm, tender-hearted child. She would listen to noexpostulations, she refused to reason; her commands must be obeyed;Winnie would never dare to set her laws at defiance again; and at theclose of the session she would be transferred to another school. Asregarded Ada, she must write a humble apology, and in the future showthat sweet, amiable girl every respect. Winnie stoutly refused (Dick chuckled with delight), and Mrs. Blake'sanger waxed stronger at the little rebel. She meditated for a fewseconds on the best method of punishment, and then said coldly, --"Ishall say nothing further in the meantime, Winnie, concerning yourflagrant act of disobedience in connection with Miss Latimer. When youfeel truly penitent, and confess your sorrow, I shall be pleased toaccept your apology; but I insist on a letter being written to MissIrvine now. One hour is at your disposal, and if at the end of thatperiod I return and find you still obdurate, then to-morrow's pleasureis cancelled, --you will not be allowed, as promised, to see over Dick'sship. " With that Mrs. Blake left the room, and Winnie was left tosolitude and reflection. For a long time she sat firmly determined to suffer anything ratherthan yield. Her young heart burned with anger and pride--she hatedeverybody and everything; but in the end love for Dick conquered, andthe required note was written. "I don't mean one single word of all that scribble, " she cried, pitching the letter to the other end of the room. "I hate to humblemyself, so I do, and I should like to say all sorts of horrid things toAda Irvine; but I can't give up to-morrow's treat, and I wish to see asmuch of my dear old Dick as possible. Wait till I get back to school, however, and there will be fun. " Winnie's face brightened at thethought, and the old mischievous smile came back to her lips. Afterall there was a good amount of wicked enjoyment to be derived fromhaving an enemy. CHAPTER XIII. OUR SAILOR BOY. If one had peeped into the oak parlour on Thursday evening, one wouldnaturally have imagined the room to be untenanted, save for thepresence of a little white dog curled in peaceful slumber on the rug;but had the heavy folds of curtain been withdrawn, they would havedisclosed to view the form of a young lady nestling back in the windowembrasure, with two soft white hands folded wearily on her lap. Thenight was cold, but bright with moonlight; and the stars peeping in atthe window, the blind of which was drawn up to the top, whisperedtogether of the fairy picture she made with the moonbeams straying overher quiet, thoughtful face, and playing hide-and-seek amongst themeshes of her dark glossy hair. "How pretty she looks!" they murmured softly, sparkling down theirtwinkling lights on the frost-gemmed city below. But the little starsfailed to notice the weary look of discontent and dissatisfaction onthat fair face, which marred all the beauty of the fairy picture. She had left the gay drawing-room and fashionable company under plea ofa headache, and finding the oak parlour untenanted, had hidden herselfsnugly behind the curtains. But Edith Blake's headache had evidentlymerged into a heartache; for it was a weary, weary face that turnedfrom the window as approaching footsteps warned her of some one'sintrusion. Drawing aside the ruby folds and peering out cautiously, the girl saw Winnie enter and go straight towards the fire, where sheproceeded to ensconce herself snugly on the rug, and lift the littlewhite dog into her lap. "Poor little doggie!" she said, stroking the affectionate animal, whichwas licking its mistress's gentle hand; "poor Puck! you'll have to loveme very much after Dick goes away. I like to be loved, doggie; but noone in this house believes in love except my dear boy, and it is lonelywhen not a single creature cares, for you. I should like to enjoy agood cry, Puck; but I must not make Dick sad, and it is a baby-fashionto cry when things go wrong and you can't get what you wish. But, ohdear! whatever shall I do after my dear good boy is gone away?" "Write long letters and think of him every day, " put in a blithe, merryvoice at the door; and Winnie sprang up with a cry of delight as Dickstrode into the room attired in all the splendour of his new uniform. "How do I look, Win?" he cried, touching his cap, and standing in allthe pride of his young, bright strength, ready to be admired. "Am Irespectable?" But he need hardly have asked that question, for the little sister'sface was all aglow, and her rosy lips laughing a glad, proud smile. "Respectable!" (with scorn); "why, Richard, you're simply _splendid_!And oh! you do look every inch a sailor. " "I thought I would let you see me in full uniform before packing up mybaggage, " said Dick, by way of apology for his childish display. "Lookat the brass buttons, Win, and the badge on my cap; they make me feelas if I were a sailor already. " Winnie duly admired. "I hope you'll have a good voyage, and not find the work too hard, " shewhispered afterwards, and the boy answered. "Win, " he began impressively, "I intend putting my whole 'shoulder tothe wheel. ' If I cannot work with the brain, I will strive my verybest with hand and heart, and do my duty come what may. I mean to be atrue man, and live an honest, upright life, not in order to gain everyone's good opinion (though of course I should dearly like that too), but because it is right. " Winnie's eyes were shining. "I told you so, " she said, clapping herhands joyously. "You'll be a king amongst men yet. And oh, howproudly our father will some day talk of 'my sailor son!'" The boy'sface flushed with pleasure. "But, Dick, you won't care less for mewhen you become both good and great; will you?" and the pretty voicehad a wistful ring in it as Winnie neared the close of her sentence. "Good! why, you're an angel compared with me, Win, " said the boylovingly; "but we'll both try our best, dear. I'm a great, rough boorof a lad, Win, and you're such a dainty, fairy creature. But think howgrand it would be to know that every day you at home and I out on theocean were striving to do our duty and live as we ought to live. I'vebeen all wrong in the past, I know, and it is little wonder the othersdon't care much about me; but I mean to strike out afresh and begin allover again. See here, Winnie; this is my farewell gift to you. Ithought you would prize it more than anything else, " and Dick placed abeautiful pocket Bible in his sister's hands. Winnie touched the little volume reverently, and the eyes of thelistener behind the curtains grew dim as the child's soft voicereplied, "I cannot thank you as I would, Dick, for your lovely present;but I love you dearly, dearly. I shall keep it always close beside me, and read a portion every day. Bow down your head, dear boy, and let mekiss you for your goodness. " Dick submitted to the caress, and then invited Winnie up to his room inorder to inspect a few presents he had received from some of hisschool-fellows; and when brother and sister had disappeared, Edithstole softly from her place of concealment, and the dancing fire-flamessaw that her eyes were wet with tears. "I have caught a glimpse of true life to-night, " she said, smilingwistfully; "and it has shown me how hollow, hollow is the false one Idaily lead. Poor Dick! I am afraid we have misjudged him after all, and may yet find out, as Winnie so confidently prophesies, that he isworthy of all honour and admiration. As for her, she will learn, sofar as lies in my power, that love is to be found in the house, although her sailor boy has left the parent nest. " Then seatingherself in the cosiest-looking chair, she lay back and waited quietlyfor the return of the owners of the oak parlour. In the course of half-an-hour they re-appeared, and gazed withwide-open eyes on the fair intruder; but Edith, laughing lazily, badethem come forward and welcome the unexpected guest. Winnie sprang to her side. "We are both awfully pleased to see you, Edith, " she said; "only you surprised us so. Whatever brings you herewhen there are guests in the drawing-room?" "I had a headache, " replied the elder sister, drawing the little girlclose to her side and beginning to toy with the tangled hair;"besides"--looking up at the big, stalwart youth standing near--"Iwished to enjoy a little of Dick's society before he goes away. " Dick's face relaxed into a broad grin of unbelief, and Winnie cried out"Oh!" then caught herself and stopped short; but Edith's equanimityremained undisturbed. "It is quite true, " she said with a charming smile. "I see you are infull uniform, Dick. Stand back, and let me admire my sailor brother. " Edith could be very lovable and winning when she liked, and to-nightshe seemed thoroughly bent on doing her utmost to please. The boy, though mystified at this sudden change in his fashionable sister, obeyed her command, and stood erect before her, feeling perhaps alittle bashful, but never flinching under the steady scrutiny. "You look very well, " she said after a little pause. "Sit down, Dick;I wish to speak to you. I know perfectly Winnie is wondering why thecross elder sister is sitting here taking such an interest in you bothto-night. But don't ask an explanation for such conduct; only believethat her heart is not so hard as you deem it, and that she has begun tolook under the surface for some one's true character. " Winnie gave the speaker's hand a little squeeze of approbation, while apleased smile lit up Dick's face. As neither spoke, however, Edithcontinued: "And now, may I crave of you, Dick, a very great favour?Winnie is to be driven down to-morrow afternoon to see through yourship. May I come too? or is she to be the only privileged young lady?" The boy looked incredulously at his pretty sister. "Are you really inearnest, Edith?" he inquired, "or are you laughing at me?" "I mean what I say, Dick, " was the grave reply; "but if you wouldrather I remained at home, I shall not trouble you. " "Oh, come! do come!" whispered Winnie delightedly. "Dick will be onlytoo pleased;--will you not, dear old boy?" So it was settled; andEdith rose to leave the cosy room, which seemed to her at that momentlike a haven of rest. "It was very, very good of you to come and spend a wee quiet time withus, " said Winnie, as she watched her beautiful sister shaking out hercrumpled skirts and pushing back little stray locks of hair from herwhite forehead. "Do you know we are going to have a great treatto-morrow night? Archie Trollope is coming in; and cook has promisedus a delicious supper in honour of Dick's last evening at home. " "I think you ought to give me an invitation, " replied Edith, pausing atthe doorway. "I should like to enjoy the feast too. --No, no, " as Dickand Winnie exchanged doubtful glances; "I was only teasing you both. Accept my best wishes for a happy evening, dears. Good-night;" andthen the soft silken figure glided quietly away. "I'm glad she really did not mean what she said, " announced Dick, giving a sigh of relief as he threw himself down on the rug beside Puckand commenced to tease that worthy little animal; "but I think, Win, ifwe had pressed her she would have come. " "I am sure of it, " replied Winnie. "She looked so disappointed when wedid not speak. But, Dick, was she not ever so nice to-night? and isshe not beautiful?" "Yes, " replied her brother, pulling Puck's tail mischievously; "butwe're a good-looking family, Win, with the exception of myself. " The little girl's reply was thoroughly characteristic: "Every house hasits ugly duckling, dear boy, " she observed quaintly, "and they seldomturn out swans except in story-books. However, it does not matter verymuch about a man's personal appearance; and you--why, you might havebeen a great deal worse. " Dick roared at the attempted consolation. "What a Job's comforter youare, Win!" he said with a broad grin; "but as you say, little sister, aman's personal appearance, though it sometimes goes a long way, is notthe main thing, and I reckon Dick Blake will manage through the worldwell enough in spite of freckled skin and fiery hair. " "Of course he will, " replied Winnie; "there's no doubt about that. " Then the two began to talk seriously and lovingly their ownheart-thoughts, and the minutes passed all too rapidly. Both startedwhen the clock struck the hour for retiring, and there was a littlequiver in Winnie's voice as she wished her brother good-night, andthought that only another evening, then the kind face bending over herwould be looking out on the wide waste of waters, and she would have towhisper her loving good-nights to the stars instead. "Oh, my dear, mydear, " she sobbed to herself in the darkness, "how sorely, sorely Ishall miss you! But I am so glad there is a great, good Father inheaven who will guide and keep you wherever you are. Oh! if AuntJudith were only here to say something comforting to me--something thatwould ease this ache of sorrow at my heart and help me to feel strongand brave. " Then, as she lay weeping out her loneliness in the quiet night, somewords she had read in one of Aunt Judith's books stole softly into hermind, like a ray of golden sunlight penetrating through the chinks of adarkened room: "Whatever is grieving you, however burdensome or trivialthe trouble may be, tell it to Jesus. " Winnie's eyes flashed, and springing out of bed with suddendetermination she knelt down, a little, fragile figure, by the windowledge, and prayed reverently and trustingly her first heart-prayer. Itwas a very simple petition, uttered in Winnie's own quaint style, atthe language of which some people might have smiled; but I think thatin heaven there would be a great hush amongst the white-robed throng asthey bent their heads to catch the first breathings of a child's soulupwards. And oh, the bursts of hallelujahs as the trusting wordsfloated to the throne of grace, and told of a young heart groping inthe darkness for the strong, firm clasp of a Father's hand! Next afternoon, when the carriage drove round to the door as appointed, the little girl, running downstairs warmly muffled up, found Edithwrapped in soft velvets and furs, thoroughly equipped for the drive. There was the faintest suspicion of a smile wreathing the corners ofher lips as she stood tapping impatiently the tesselated floor of thehall with her tiny high-heeled boot, and running the gauntlet of a fewteasing remarks from her two brothers, who were loitering near; but onWinnie's approach she turned round, and waving a careless farewell, accompanied her little sister down the broad stone steps to thecarriage, where Mr. Blake was awaiting them. The drive proved to be a pleasant one, and in a short time they foundthemselves at the docks, and saw the great ships ranging far and near, with their tapering masts pointing upwards to the cloudy sky. The_Maid of Astolat_ lay close at hand, and as they went on board Dickappeared, his face black and grimy, but all aglow with a welcomingsmile. "You come along with me, " he said, drawing Winnie aside, as thecaptain, a tall, gentlemanly-looking man, stepped forward and addressedMr. Blake. "I'll do the honours of the ship tip-top, Win, and show youall round in first-rate style;" and the little sister delivered herselfover to his guidance. How they peered about, to be sure--here, there, everywhere; and howproudly Dick aired the small amount of nautical language he had managedto pick up! Rough men turned and smiled half unconsciously as the twoblithe figures flitted past and their merry laughter rang out in thefrosty air. They seemed so happy, and the hearts hardened by sin andadversity sighed over their bygone childhood's days, and thought what ablessed thing it was to be young. Returning from their exploration, brother and sister found Mr. Blakeand Edith still talking to the captain, whose grave, stern face wasrapidly relaxing under the influence of that young lady's winningmanner and bright, sparkling conversation. Dick eyed the group as hedrew near, and then a comical thought seemed to strike him, for he washeard to mutter, "Jemima! what a lark!" and he twitched his face into adecided grimace of amusement. There was scant time in which to make remarks, however, for Mr. Blakerequired to be back in the city at a certain hour, and Winnie must notbe exposed to the night air. So good-byes were courteously exchanged. The Blakes, re-entering their carriage, drove rapidly away, and soonthe high, tapering masts appeared like specks in the distance. Next day the _Maid of Astolat_ sailed from the harbour, bearing onboard the strong, stalwart figure and honest, true face of RichardBlake. CHAPTER XIV. THE PRIZE ESSAY. One day, towards the close of the school, great excitement prevailed inMrs. Elder's Select Establishment for Young Ladies, the cause being acommunication made through the lady-principal to her pupils from agentleman and relative of hers lately returned from India. He hadvisited the school several times within the last few months, and seemedto take an interest in it; but still there was no lack of astonishmentwhen Mrs. Elder announced one morning that her friend, Mr. Corbett, hadintimated his intention of awarding a special prize to the pupil whowould write the best essay on any of the three followingsubjects--namely, Christmas joys, a short account of the FrenchRevolution, and a brief review of one of Sir Walter Scott's novels. The babble of tongues that ensued after this intimation was wonderful. Mrs. Elder laughingly beat a hasty retreat, and Miss Smith layresignedly back in her chair, and waited till peace and order wererestored. "Of course Ada will win the prize, " was the general comment, "she is soclever, and Mr. King always praises her essays. Nellie can't come nearher in the way of composition; but we must all try to do our best, forthe honour of the school. " The elder girls, who were not included in the list of competitors, feltinclined to second these remarks, and Ada smiled triumphantly when sheheard them whispered abroad. There was little doubt in her own mind asto who was likely to be the successful candidate, and she only wonderedwhich subject would best show forth her brilliancy of style andcomposition. Winnie and Nellie, firm friends still in spite of all restraints, consulted together, and spoke of the utter uselessness of their moststrenuous endeavours. "We've no chance against Ada, " they saiddisconsolately, "but like the others we'll have to attempt something. " "What will you try, Winnie?" inquired Nellie. "I think I'll tackle'the French Revolution. '" Winnie's brow was wrinkled in perplexity. "Do you know, Nell, " shesaid at length, looking up with a curious gleam in her eyes, "I nevertried very hard in all my life to write a really good essay. I justmixed anything together and popped it down higgledy-piggledy style, asDick would say. Yet sometimes I have beautiful thoughts, and they runtogether in such beautiful words that I think I may manage to produce arespectable paper after all. I know nothing about the FrenchRevolution, simply nothing. I have never read any of Sir WalterScott's novels, and could not criticise or review one to save my life. But Christmas joys--ah, yes, I might attempt that;" and Winnie lookedhopeful at this point. "Very well, Win, we've decided, " responded Nellie; then, Agnes Drummondcoming forward and addressing them, their conversation was interruptedfor the present. Ada Irvine's triumph was by no means so complete as she fancied itwould be, though there was still much to cause her satisfaction. Almost every day she had the pleasure of seeing Winnie grow furious andNellie wince under some cutting sarcasm thrown out with well-directedaim by some of the most fashionable girls in the school, and not eventhe former's reappearance and championship could allay to any extentthe open insults which beset the defenceless girl during school hours. "Go! you are not my friends, " the stanch little ally had said when shefound how matters stood on her return after her illness. "I hate anddespise every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You callyourselves ladies, but I tell you no true lady would lower herself toutter such words as fall from your lips. I know who your ringleaderis, and if the heartiest hatred will do her any good, she has mine. But act as you please; only remember Nellie is now, and ever will be, the one true friend of my life. And as for her aunts, let me tell youyou are not worthy to touch the hem of their garments. " "Oh, nonsense, Winnie!" one of the girls had replied, in ahalf-condescending manner; "I am sure you can't forget your mother'sopinion on the subject. " "And who informed you about my mother's opinion? It must have beenAda; and that throws light on what has puzzled me lately. I think Imay thank her for all this trouble I have been and am stillexperiencing. No, do not try to defend her; one day we shall be quits. " "But Ada is never rude or disagreeable to you now, Win, " pleadedanother girl. "There has been a marked change in her manner lately. She is very gentle and kind to you. As for blaming her about tellingtales, that is hardly fair. She really said very little concerningMrs. Blake and her opinion of Nellie. Where she got her information wedo not know, but she told us decidedly it was not from yourstep-mother. " Winnie looked incredulous. "That is quite sufficient, " she repliedwith dignity; "I would rather hear no more. But you may tell Ada fromme that I am not to be deceived by her new tactics, and have no desireto possess such a treasure as a serpent-friend. " The subject had then been dropped, and from that time Winnie would havenothing to do with any girl who uttered a single word against herfriend. Ada she treated with supreme indifference, and disdained toaccept a proffered friendship vouchsafed to suit that young lady'samiable plans. As regarded Nellie, she never walked with her afterschool hours, or sought her society so frequently as she had done inthe happy bygone days (Miss Latimer had strictly forbidden that); butstill the love betwixt the two was warm and true, and Ada felt herhatred deepen as she saw how all her endeavours failed to break thestrong bond of friendship binding the one to the other. A certaincircumstance, however, caused her immense satisfaction--namely, Mrs. Elder's growing dislike of Nellie Latimer. The lady-principal was, unfortunately, guilty of favouritism, and ever since Ada had beenplaced under her charge she had shown a marked preference for andindulgence towards her. Such being the case, one can readily imaginehow a woman of such a weak, selfish nature would resent the quietdethronement of her young favourite, and see the honours she had beenaccustomed to take now won by an insignificant girl of no particularbirth or station in society. Ada, not slow to find all this out, viewed it with supreme delight, and was careful to fan the flame byvarious hints and insinuations thrown out with becoming modesty. Nellie marked the change, but bore it uncomplainingly, striving to liveit down and let the discipline accomplish its own sharp yet beneficialwork. "I shall withdraw you from the school should you choose, Nellie, " Miss Latimer had said once when the girl broke down and weptover the heavy burden laid upon her. "But I would like you to fight itout, and grow better, braver, and nobler under the conflict. " That wassufficient for Nellie, who, meekly relifting the old cross, strove tocarry it cheerfully, feeling amply rewarded for her quiet endurancewhen she daily realized the rare love and tenderness that surroundedher in the peaceful home at Broomhill Road. The examination day was fast approaching, and the prize essays, whichhad to be given in a week beforehand, were delivered over to thelady-principal's charge--neat rolls of paper prettily tied up withgaily-coloured knots of ribbon. Then followed more excitement, tillthe hour arrived when guests and pupils met together in the largeschool-room, and the usual performance took place before the eyes ofsmiling mothers and friends. At length it was over, and the clergymanstepping forward to award the prizes, Winnie found some leisure to gazearound and scan the sea of faces in front of her. There was Mrs. Drummond, calm and placid as usual; her own step-motherand Edith, both looking so fresh and fair in their bright summerattire, and--but here Winnie caught a glimpse of a noble, true facelooking at her from under the brim of a quiet Quaker bonnet, and in amoment her little face was all aglow with a great throb of love. What occurred after that seemed a blank. She never heard Nellie's namecalled repeatedly, or noted Mrs. Blake's haughty look as the young girlmodestly received her prizes and blushed under the words ofcommendation uttered by the clergyman. Her thoughts were far away inthe past, and she was living those two happy days over again at DingleCottage, when the world appeared so wondrously fair, and life full ofbright laughing sunshine. But now came a pause in the proceedings. The prizes were alldistributed, and pupils and friends wakened to a state of greatexpectancy as old Mr. Corbett stood up by the minister's side andnervously prepared to make his oration. After a few preliminaryremarks customary on the occasion, he spoke of the surprise andpleasure he had experienced in reading over the essays delivered to himby Mrs. Elder, his old and esteemed friend. They displayed much talentand brilliancy of style, and reflected great credit on the school. Oneespecially amazed him (here Ada's head drooped modestly) by the rich, beautiful thoughts, set, as it were, in such quaint, original language. He was almost startled by the amount of genius shining forth from everysentence; and although the essay was written in a crude girlish style, it was worthy of the highest commendation, and he had great pleasure inawarding the prize to--Miss Winnifred Blake. There was a long silence, followed by murmurs of amazement andcongratulation. But Winnie did not seem to hear them; she only satgazing dreamily, with dim, dazed eyes, as if hardly capable ofrealizing the good fortune which had befallen her. "Rise, dear, " whispered Elsie Drummond, who was standing close by;"every one is waiting to see you receive the prize. We are all so gladover your success. Now go;" and she gave the child a gentle push inthe clergyman's direction. The words wakened Winnie, and then, with agreat flash, came the realization that she, and not Nellie, hadtriumphed over Ada; and as the knowledge came home with full power toher heart, her great eyes sparkled their mischievous joy, and shestepped forward, a glad, triumphant gleam shining in their depths. Few of the onlookers that day ever forgot the scene before them: thelittle fairy figure clad in daintiest summer attire; the flushed gipsyface and dark, lustrous eyes peeping from under the mass of curly hair;and the wondrously joyous smile which broke over her lips as she benther pretty head on receiving the glittering medal from the minister'shand. I think Mrs. Blake was proud of her step-daughter for once inher life. A short time afterwards, just as she was preparing to start homeward, Winnie remembered that her music was lying in one of the school-rooms, and bidding some of the girls wait her return she bounded up the steepflight of stairs to go in search of it. On reaching the top step, however, Ada met her, and the pale, angryface and haughty mien roused every malicious feeling in Winnie'snature. Looking up with a face in which wicked triumph and delightwere plainly depicted, she said sweetly, "O Ada, would you care toinspect my medal? You have been so kind to me lately I am sure youwill rejoice at my wonderful success. " Ada returned her gaze with one of steady, contemptuous disdain, anddropping the mask of friendship which had been so hard for her to wear, she replied haughtily, "Wonderful indeed! so wonderful, in fact, that Imay be pardoned for refusing to credit the essay as being your owncomposition. Do you think it is natural for a dunce (I repeat theword), who has been in the habit of writing the most childish nonsense, to break on the world suddenly as a genius, and startle every one withher wonderful thoughts? It stands to reason that some underhand workhas been going on; and such being the case, I prefer to hold myselfaloof from one who could be guilty of any mean, despicable action. " Strong language to use. Winnie's anger rose to a white heat as shelistened. "Explain yourself!" cried the enraged child; "I fail tounderstand your words. " Ada's lip curled. "You are an admirable actress, " she said calmly;"you would make your fortune on the stage. Unfortunately, however, Iam not easily deceived. You know perfectly well the prize essay is nowork of yours. " "Whose then?" in a voice of suppressed passion; and the quiet, mockingtones answered, -- "Suspicions are easily roused, and when one can disobey a parent once, one can easily do so again. " Winnie looked bewildered. "You are speaking in riddles, " she criedangrily; "I demand a proper explanation. " "Then you shall have it, " replied Ada, spitefully enjoying hermomentary triumph. "Mrs. Elder, Miss Smith, and ever so many of thegirls believe that your wonderful Miss Latimer assisted with youressay. Nay, do not interrupt: we give you credit for the bare outline, but the originality and quaint rich thoughts are decidedly beyond thepowers of a dunce. " Winnie listened in amazement, and as the last words fell slowly fromthe lips of the cold, haughty girl, she cried out in her bitter anger, -- "It is false! false! and you know that too; but, Ada Irvine, I canalmost excuse your insulting words. It must be humiliating to see adunce, and one towards whom you bear so much affection, win a prize ofwhich you deemed yourself secure. I forgive you when I think how hardit must be to feel yourself the laughing-stock of the school; and Iwould remind you in the future to value your talents at their trueworth. " Winnie paused, and it seemed, to use a common-place phrase, as if thetables were turned; for the little girl looked cool and calm now, whileher adversary's face was white and set with passion. Springing forwardshe raised her hand, and Winnie, in order to avert the blow, steppedback, forgetful of her dangerous position. Then rang through the housea wild scream followed by the sound of a heavy fall; and the startledinmates, gathering from various quarters, found lying at the foot ofthe steep stairs a prostrate figure with white upturned face andfirmly-closed eyes. [Illustration: A prostrate figure with white, upturned face. ] CHAPTER XV. HOW SHALL I LIVE THROUGH THE LONG, LONG YEARS? A balmy summer morning in the month of July. Outside, and far upoverhead, a dappled sky shining down on a world of light and beauty;green verdant slopes and wide sweeps of meadowland glistening stillwith the early dew; flowers blossoming everywhere, from the modestdaisy and golden buttercup to the queenliest rose and fairest lily;birds singing from every bush and tree their morning trill offlute-like melody; bees humming busily hither and thither; butterfliesflitting idly by or resting snugly in the heart of a flower; in short, the world of nature all awake and joying with a pure, glad joy in thegolden summer sunshine. Inside a darkened room, with softly-shaded blinds and peaceful hushbrooding over all, a girl--one might almost say a child--lying quietlyon a dainty bed with white, weary face and closed eyes, round whichdark lines of pain and suffering are plainly circled; and lastly, ayoung lady nestling back in a low basket-chair and keeping tender watchover the slight figure stretched so motionless before her. Suddenlythe heavy lids unclose, and a pair of tired eyes are raised, with asad, pathetic look, to the watcher's face. "Is that you, Edith?" asks the weak voice in low, feeble tones; and theyoung lady, bending down to press a kiss on the white brow, answers, -- "Yes, dear; and I am so glad you have enjoyed such a nice long sleep. " The child raised one thin, fragile hand, and pushing back the hair fromher damp forehead, spoke once more. "I was dreaming, Edith, --dreamingthe old days were back again, and that Dick and I were having such funin the oak parlour. Archie Trollope was there too, and we were chasingeach other round and round the room; but neither Dick nor Archie couldcatch me, my feet seemed so nimble. I thought it was true, Edith, anda great weight rolled from my heart; but oh"--and the low wailaccompanying the words pained the listener sorely--"I awoke and foundit was all a dream. " "My poor little Winnie!" replied the young lady, smoothing the painedlines from the invalid's brow with soft, gentle touch. But the childhad not yet finished. "Edith, " she continued, a wild, haunting look of unrest stealing intoher eyes, "I am so tired lying here day after day. I want to be out inthe sunshine with the birds and the flowers. Tell me, when shall I beable to walk in the sunlight once more?" Edith's face was wet with tears. "Try to be patient, dear, " she saidin a somewhat broken voice; "one does not recover very quickly from anillness such as yours. " Winnie seemed dissatisfied. "You don't look me straight in the facewhen you speak, Edith, and your voice has a little tremble in it. Hush! hear how the birds are singing! They know I dearly love thesunshine, and are calling me out into the midst of it; I hear themevery day warbling so happily. Do you think they ever wonder why Inever come--why I never dance up and down the garden walks and spendhours with them and the flowers as I did last year? And the sea, Edith--some nights, when the wind is sleeping and not a leaf stirringon the trees, I can hear the waves crooning a low, sweet song as theywash along the wide beach of sand. They also seem to be calling me outinto their midst; and I--O Edith, I cannot come. " There was a passionate ring of pain in the voice, and the look ofunrest had given place to one of intense yearning. Edith's tears fellfast as she laid her head down on the pillow beside her little sisterand pressed warm kisses on the quivering lips. "Little Winnie, " she whispered, "don't you think it is hard, hard forus to see you lying suffering here? Oh, my dear, can't you guess howwe miss your little dancing figure, and your bright, merry chatter?Our hearts are sore for you, dearest, in your pain and weariness, andwe would sacrifice anything to be able to raise you up strong and wellsoon. But we cannot; and, oh, little sister, try to wait patiently alittle longer. " "You say that every day, Edith, " answered the child pettishly. "It isalways the old, old story--wait a little longer; and when you speak inthat strain a great fear creeps into my heart and won't be shut out. Itry not to listen; I think upon other things; I tell it to go away, butit still remains. Edith, O Edith! tell me that some day I shall standup strong and well; tell me quick, quick, for something whispers thatwill never be. " "Nonsense, dear!" faltered the elder sister; "you must not becomefanciful. In a short time I hope to see you quite better. " "You don't say you are perfectly certain, Edith, " cried Winnie, stillsuspicious, "and you look at anything rather than me. I believe myfear is too true; and if so, how shall I live through the long, longyears?" Edith hardly knew how to reply. "Hush, Winnie, hush!" she beganpleadingly; "you are rushing to rash conclusions. And only think, dear, we have you, though weak and helpless, spared to us still. Whatif you had died?" "I wish I had, " replied the girl wildly; "I would far rather liequietly under the daisies than live a long, long crippled life. Oh, tothink I shall never again run races on the sandy shore, and laugh whenthe little waves splash my feet; never pluck the wild flowers and makesweet, fragrant posies; never climb the forest trees or sit under thegreat pines I love so well! I can't bear it, Edith; indeed I can't. Iwish I were dead. " Her sister was about to speak, but she pushed her aside, saying feebly, "Oh, if I could only get my strength back again! I never knew what ablessing health was till I lost it. " There was such a depth of pathosin the weak voice, such an undertone of sadness, that Edith almostbroke down again. "Winnie, " she said softly, "I wonder how Aunt Judith would answer youjust now?" Winnie looked up through her tears. "I don't know, " she repliedwistfully; "but she can't understand how awful it is to lose health forlife in one day. " "No, " responded Edith; "but I think, Winnie, Miss Latimer must have hadsome exceeding bitter sorrow--some terrible trial to bear in her owntime. " "How?" with a gesture of surprise. "Because, dear, those books of hers which I have been reading to youlately are full of grand, loving thoughts, and strong, helpful words, such as could only come from a heart torn and bleeding throughsuffering. I never saw Miss Latimer, as you know, Winnie, but I amready to say with you she must be a good, noble woman. " The little girl's eyes were brimming over again. "Don't speak of her, Edith; it makes me wish so much to see her, and mamma has forbiddenthat. " "Not now, Winnie, not now!" said Edith eagerly; "she would be only toopleased to see your friend. At first, when you were so ill, you calledcontinually for Aunt Judith, and Algy was sent to Dingle Cottage insearch of her. He found, however, only a fast-closed door, and couldgain no information as to where she had gone from any of theneighbours. It seems the whole family left town for the summer on theafternoon of the examination day, so that I am sure Miss Latimer doesnot even know you are ill. She and Nellie were not in the school atthe time of your accident. " Edith's voice faltered at this point: butrapidly recovering herself, she continued: "Then we bought all AuntJudith's books, dear, to try to cheer you a little. It was the onlything we could do. Some day, when we return to town, you will see MissLatimer again. " Winnie lay weeping quietly. At last she said, "Please leave me alonefor a short time, Edith; I wish to think it all out myself, " and theelder sister obeyed. Slipping on her hat, she passed out of the house into the sunshine andwended her way slowly towards the shore, the words ringing in her earswith that low wail of intense pain--"How shall I live through the long, long years?" Poor Winnie! her fears were but too well grounded. No hope wasentertained of her ever being able to leave her couch again. When the kind-hearted doctor had broken the news to the sorrowingfamily, almost the first thought of each was, How would she bear it?How would she, the little restless sprite, always flitting about hereand there, endure perhaps a long life of crippled helplessness? Andoh! how were they to tell her of the sad future, stretching far intothe coming years? It was all very well to waive her questions in themeantime, but that could not be done much longer. Already the childseemed listening to each word with a haunting sense of fear; and nowthat they had taken her from the busy town to their quiet sea-sidehome, where summer after summer she had danced about in innocent glee, the dread deepened as the days went by and she felt no sign ofreturning strength to her feeble frame. There was no need to tell thesad tidings after all, however--she had found out for herself; and thenecessary part now was to teach her how to live bravely and cheerfullythrough the long, long years. Edith's thoughts were very dreary as she walked quietly through thelittle sea-side village, and saw the happy, sun-kissed children, fullof health and strength, playing on the sandy shore, and shouting theirlusty laughter to each other, while one who would have joined soheartily in their merriment was lying pale and weary on a lonely couchof pain. The little wistful face and tired eyes kept ever rising upbefore her, while the words rang continually in her ears, --"How shall Ilive through the long, long years?" With a quick impatient movement she drew out her watch, and noting thehour, saw that the mail had been due some little time ago, and letterswould be lying at the small post-office. Entering the little shop, shefound another occupant besides herself preparing to receive a smallbudget of papers from the shopwoman's hands. "No letters to-day, Miss Latimer; only these papers, " the girl wassaying as Edith stepped towards the counter. --"Good-morning, MissBlake; we are glad to see you amongst us again. " The lady started at Edith's name, and turning, looked earnestly at thegraceful figure from under the brim of a shady hat--a gaze which Edith, busy with her own thoughts, failed to observe. "Three letters for you to-day, miss, " the shopwoman continued, "and onewith a foreign post-mark on it. I'm thinking it'll be from MasterDick. " Edith lifted the letters. "Yes, " she said with a bright smile, "youare quite right, Janet. It is addressed to my little sister; howpleased she will be!" The girl's eyes saddened. "Is Miss Winnie keeping stronger?" sheinquired in a subdued voice; "we were all so sorry to hear about herillness, dear lamb. " The young lady shook her head. "Not much, Janet; but of course we haveonly been here a week as yet. We are hoping she will reap the benefitof the sea-air by-and-by. Good-morning. " And Edith, gathering herletters together, left the shop and turned slowly in the direction ofhome. In a few minutes she heard rapid footsteps behind her, and alow, sweet voice said gently, "May I be pardoned for addressing MissBlake?" Raising her eyes in surprise, Edith saw the stranger lady close at herside, looking very much agitated. "Certainly!" she replied courteously. "Can I assist you in any way?"And the stranger replied-- "I do not know whether you will ever have heard Winnie speak of me ornot. My name is Latimer, and your little sister was a great friend ofmy niece. They were always together at school, and Winnie spent twoafternoons with us when we were in town, I--" But she was allowed to proceed no further, for Edith stood holding outher hands, and saying with shining countenance, "You are Aunt Judith, are you not? I am so pleased to have met you, Miss Latimer. My littlesister is very ill. Will you come and see her now?" Miss Latimer looked perplexed. "I am staying here at present, " shesaid simply, "and intend remaining till the end of August; this airseems so beneficial to my invalid sister. I hardly know how to replyto your invitation, Miss Blake. I never knew till the other day aboutWinnie's accident, and I should dearly like to see the child; butstill--" "Please do not finish your sentence, Miss Latimer, " replied Edith, blushing with confusion. "We owe you an ample apology for ourrudeness, and both my father and mother will be only too delighted tosee you. Winnie has been calling for you continually, and my brotherwent to Dingle Cottage, but found you out of town. " "Yes, " said Miss Latimer; "the doctor advised us to come here onaccount of my youngest sister. Nellie was with us during the month ofJune, but has gone home till we return to town. I thank you for yourkindness, Miss Blake, and will call at your house to-morrow. I amsorry I cannot accompany you this afternoon. " Edith looked up at the true, noble face, shaded by the simple summerhat; and as she did so, a slow, sweet smile broke over Aunt Judith'slips and lighted up her whole countenance. "No wonder Winnie loved her!" thought the gay, fashionable girl. "Ifeel as if I could kneel in all reverence at her feet, she looks sogood and pure. " But she only said aloud, --"Then I shall expect youto-morrow afternoon, Miss Latimer. Our house is easily found. Youwill see the name, Maple Bank, on the gate. Please do not disappointus; and oh! I am so glad I have met you at last. " So they parted, and Edith stepped homewards with a lightened heart. Mr. And Mrs. Blake received her news quietly. They would rather theintimacy had not been renewed, but for Winnie's sake no oppositionwould be made now. They would find out Miss Latimer's present home, and call on her that evening. As for telling Winnie, it might bebetter, perhaps, to keep her still in ignorance till the following day. Clare alone turned up her haughty nose when Edith related the morning'sadventure, and inquired if she too were becoming infected with theLatimer mania. "For my part, " concluded the proud girl, "I think ourparents very foolish--encouraging Winnie in all her whims and fancies. There will be no end to them soon. I am very sorry for the child, butI still decidedly disapprove of giving in to her continually. I shouldnot be surprised if this wonderful Aunt Judith becomes a daily visitorbefore long. However, I wash my hands of the whole affair. " Andlifting a book, Clare passed out through the window into the garden;while Edith, disgusted at the cruel words, went slowly upstairs, andplaced Dick's precious letter in Winnie's hands. It was a wonderful epistle, spiced with grand nautical phrases, andbrimful of the truly marvellous and incredible in nature. Winnielaughed heartily over the absurd yarns, described with sailor-likeveracity, and then gave a little cry of joy when Edith, who was readingthe letter aloud, ended with the following words:--"And now, my dearlittle Win, if we have favourable weather you may expect to see yourdear old Dick home about the end of September; and won't we have ajolly time of it then! No end of larks and mischief. I suppose youwill still be at Maple Bank when my ship comes in, so" (here Edithstopped, but the child bade her read every single word) "see and keepwell and strong, that you may be able to enjoy all sorts of caperswith--Your loving sailor brother, DICK. " "Don't look at me like that, Edith, " said Winnie, when the long letterwas carefully folded up and returned to its envelope. "I am not goingto cry or even think; my heart is too sore. No one must tell Dick tillhe comes home. Let him remain in ignorance as long as possible. " Thenshe closed her eyes wearily and remained silent. But Edith was not tobe deceived by any apparent calmness or resignation, and knew only toowell that the child's whole soul was crying out in rebellion at the sadtrial which had befallen her. Daylight stole softly, silently away; the summer breeze sighing adreamy even-song through the forest trees, lulled the singing birds torest; the little flowers drooped their pretty heads, and closed theirdewy petals in slumber; the busy whirr and hum of insects ceased, --andthe nature-world was hushed in sleep. Only the restless sea broke onthe peaceful calm with its ceaseless swish-swish of waves. And far, far out on the ocean breast, leaning over the bulwark of a gallantship, homeward bound, was a young sailor, gazing across the moonlitwaters, and thinking of the bright fairy sister waiting to give him ajoyous welcome back. CHAPTER XVI. LIGHT IN DARKNESS. "How pretty my room is to-day, Edith! You have made it all bright andfairy-like with flowers. Yes, open the blinds, please, and let thesunshine in; my head is really better this morning, and I wish all thelight I can possibly get. " So spoke Winnie, as she watched her sisterscattering sweet posies of flowers throughout the entire room, and feltthe sweet, subtle perfume of "the flowers that in earth's firmament doshine. " "Why are you so particular to-day, Edith?" she continued, as that younglady flitted about, looping and relooping the soft lace curtains, pouncing on every stray speck of dust, and sweeping everymedicine-bottle out of sight. "Jane tidied the room as usual thismorning, and yet here you are, poking into every corner, and arrangingand rearranging everything. One would think the Queen was coming tosee me. What is the reason of it all?" and Winnie looked decidedlycurious. "So you are going to have a visitor, dear, " replied Edith, bringing afragrant nosegay over to the bedside and laying it on the snowy pillow. "Now don't ask me any questions, for I dare not tell. Only waitpatiently and you will see for yourself. " The child did not seem particularly charmed. "I hate visitors, Edith, "she said, the sunshine dying out of her face, and the restless, wearylook stealing into her eyes; "they make my heart full of wicked, rebellious thoughts when I see them coming into the room so well andstrong. I detest their long faces and sympathetic remarks. Ugh! Isuppose they mean to be kind, but when they speak I feel as if I hatedeverything and everybody. " "I don't think you will tell me all that this afternoon, " replied Edithwith a knowing smile. "It is always the unexpected that happens, and Ishall be very much surprised if you do not count this day as one of thebright spots in your life. --Ah, there is the bell. Give me a kiss, Win, and keep a pretty smile for the unwelcome visitor. " So sayingEdith tripped away, and Winnie waited in gloomy silence the advent ofthe hated guest. Why could people not leave her alone? Why did theyrequire to come and flaunt all their bright, strong health before her?She wished none of their sympathy and condolences--only leave her aloneto her grief and misery. These being her thoughts, it was a very cross, peevish face which metMiss Latimer's gaze as she entered the sick chamber in company withMrs. Blake and confronted the little invalid. "I have brought a friend to see you, dear, " said the step-mother, smiling down on the quiet figure with its weary, pain-stricken face. "You will be pleased to welcome her, I know, and have so much to talkabout that my presence can be easily dispensed with for a little time. "As she spoke, Mrs. Blake smoothed the sick girl's brow lovingly, andthen withdrew, leaving the two friends together once more. There was no need to ask, "Are you glad to see me, Winnie?" for thegreat eyes, shining with a wonderfully joyous light, told the tale thelips refused to utter. Forgetting her helplessness, the childstretched out her arms and tried to rise, but sank back with a low cryof pain, and those piteous words, "O Aunt Judith, come to me quickly, for I cannot go to you. " Miss Latimer was greatly moved, and could do nothing at first but kissthe little face once so fresh and sweet, now pinched and wan withsuffering. "Dear child, " she said at length, "my heart is bleeding for you. Tellme, Winnie, how did all this happen?" and with Aunt Judith's arms roundher, and a sense of peaceful rest stealing over her weary frame, thesick girl told all that there was to tell, simply, truthfully, with noattempt to screen herself from blame. "I was wrong to speak as I did, " she finished sadly, "but I hadprovocation. O Aunt Judith, I cannot express the awful feeling ofhatred I bear towards Ada, when I think that if it had not been for herI should be running about in the sunshine now. " "Hush, Winnie! do not say that, " replied Miss Latimer softly; "herheart will be heavy enough now, I fancy, and--" But here Winnie brokein:-- "No, Aunt Judith. I don't believe she feels the least little particleof sorrow. She ran away when I fell, and never even came to ask for meafter the accident. No one knows she had anything to do with my fallexcept my own family, and they decided to leave her alone and make noremark. Mamma was awfully good. She said she had formed a wrongestimate of Ada's character, and told me I had been right. " There was a few minutes' pause, then Winnie continued: "I know, AuntJudith, you think I am very wicked for hating Ada so bitterly; but, oh!look what she has done to me. My life is spoilt" (with the old wail ofan infinite pain); "I shall never be able to walk again. " Miss Latimer's eyes grew misty, and Winnie continued:--- "You are good and true, Aunt Judith. You sit there looking at me withsuch a kind, loving face, and don't say like the others, 'Wait a littlelonger, Winnie; some day you will be all right again. '" Then repeatingthe words, with a weary depth of woe in her voice--"I shall never beable to walk again; and, O Aunt Judith, can you guess what that meansto me?" "Yea, my darling, I can, " whispered the patient listener, "and yourcross is a heavy one to carry. " "Heavy!" muttered the sick girl; "so heavy that I shall not be able tocarry it patiently. It is bad enough just now, Aunt Judith, but thinkwhat it will be when the months go rolling by and find me still weakand helpless. How shall I bear my life, such a weary, weary life, weekafter week, and year after year? I loved the world so much--thebright, beautiful world with all its sunshine and flowers; and now Ifeel as if I were withdrawn from it altogether. What will Dick saywhen he comes home, and I cannot go with him here and there as in thedear old days? Aunt Judith, I can see no light anywhere. Teach me, you who are so brave and strong, how to bear my life now. " Miss Latimer kissed the little quivering face with its sad, mournfuleyes; then drawing her chair closer to the bedside, she kept her lovingarms round the sobbing child and tried to comfort her. "My darling, " said the kind, gentle voice, the voice Winnie had solonged and thirsted for, "I do not think you know how deep the pain is, how warm the sympathy, I feel for you. You say the broad, flowery wayalong which you have hitherto travelled has ended now, and nothing liesstretched before save an interminable waste of blackness through whichyou imagine it impossible to journey. Yet, will you believe me, dearchild, when I tell you that in the blackened tract of moorland you willfind a joy, a peace passing all understanding, and learn that the lifeyou now deem too hard to live is a grand, beautiful life, and yourweary couch of pain but the school where the Master teaches some of hispurest, holiest lessons! The darkness may be very thick and dense fora time, Winnie, but by-and-by light will begin to break through, andnight give place to day; and if the flowery way should never again openup before you, you will find in the rugged upland path the sunshine ofGod's favour, while his presence shall go with you, and he will giveyou rest. My child, my little Winnie, this grievous stroke may yetprove the greatest blessing to yourself and others. Do not say yourlife is spoilt; perhaps the true life is only now beginning. " The young girl looked up earnestly into the gentle face. "Speak on, Aunt Judith, " she pleaded. "It makes me feel good to hear you talklike that; but then" (with sad despair) "when you go away I know Ishall be as wicked and rebellious as ever. Your words lull all theevil passions to sleep; but in the long, dark night they will waken up, and I shall be wishing I were dead again. Say something more, AuntJudith. Tell me how I am to keep the good feelings always in my heart, and be willing to live through the long, long years. " Then Miss Latimer's soft voice spoke again; and, cradled lovingly inthose tender arms, the sick girl learned where to find the dailystrength and grace for every need; and how to gather up the scatteredthreads of her life together, and weave them into a golden web shiningwith the lustre of simple faith and holy resignation. Some time afterwards Mrs. Blake entered, and Miss Latimer rose todepart; but Winnie would not let her go just yet. She had so manyquestions to ask, and there was so much she wished to know. How wereMiss Deborah, Aunt Margaret, and Nellie? When would they all return totown? Had Aunt Judith written a new book lately? and if so, what wasit called? Miss Latimer had a busy time answering all those queries, but at last the young invalid was satisfied; and promising to comeagain soon, Aunt Judith said good-bye, and left the room with a heavyheart. Mrs. Blake following, thanked her for her visit, and hoped she wouldrepeat it at an early date. The young step-mother saw the error shehad made in the past, and with graceful tact tried to atone for heropen rudeness to this grave, noble woman, who seemed like a queen inspite of the simplicity of her garments. Miss Latimer's sweet, true nature harboured no feeling of umbrage ormalice, and her smile was frank and friendly as she willingly acceptedthe invitation. Then Edith, appearing at that moment, offered toaccompany her part of the way home, and Mrs. Blake returned to thesick-room and Winnie. The child's face looked flushed and animated. "Mamma dear, " she saidsweetly, "thank you for allowing me to see Aunt Judith again. I shallnot be so cross and troublesome now. She has been telling me what abeautiful life I may yet lead in spite of my pain and helplessness, andher words have hushed the bad thoughts to rest. " The fair, frivolous lady seemed bewildered, but replied, "I am willingto confess my error, Winnie: Miss Latimer is no longer an unwelcomevisitor here, " then she changed the subject. Meanwhile the days passed on, and Miss Latimer became a frequent guestat Maple Bank, winning all due respect and honour by the true dignityof her nature and sweet womanly heart. Edith hailed those visits withpleasure; and Winnie--ah! they were like great spots of sunshine to thesick girl fretting sorely under her load of pain. She was by no means a patient invalid this restless child, and theconstant lying day after day and the monotony of sick-room life triedher exceedingly. It was only natural that such should be the case;that the wild tomboy nature, with its bright flow of animal spirits, should chafe and rebel at this heavy discipline. But one becomeswearied of constant murmuring, and sometimes those around her waxedimpatient. Then it was that Miss Latimer's soothing words came intouse, and the strong hand was stretched out to help the failing feet;and by-and-by, slowly yet surely, the discipline began to show itsfruit, and Winnie to learn the first lesson in the school of pain. August at length drew near to a close. Miss Latimer and her littlehousehold returned to town. The days began rapidly to creep in, andthe beautiful harvest moon "grew like a white flower in the sky. " "Let us go home, mamma, " pleaded Winnie. "I should like to be back intown when Dick's ship comes in; and it is so lonely here. I shall notfeel so much at meeting him where we have not the same opportunity toromp about; and oh! although it is very wrong and selfish of me totrouble you, I cannot bear to meet him here. " The child's words were very pathetic, and so, yielding to her wish, theBlakes returned to town. Winnie sighed her satisfaction when safely deposited in the oak parlouronce more. Then the old life began again--the same, yet not the same;for although everything around was as it had been in the bygone days, Winnie herself was changed, and the busy, active life over for ever. But she had her happy times too; for the oak parlour was rapidlybecoming the room of the household, and Winnie seldom knew what it wasto be left alone. Thither came Aunt Judith with her soft, gentlewords; Nellie, fresh from the dear home circle, her troubles all blownaway by the happy home atmosphere; Edith and Clare, with their gayyoung voices and dainty ways; and all the members of the family, slipping in every now and then to see how the little invalid wasprogressing. Her quiet submission was daily becoming more patent; andas those around noted the efforts at cheerfulness and patience, theirlove gradually increased, and Winnie the invalid was tenfold dearer tothe hearts of her family than Winnie the little tomboy had been. Herdays were not idle ones by any means; for as her health in somerespects improved, a daily governess was engaged to come and instructher, and under Miss Montgomery's mild tuition Winnie laid aside herformer indolence and began to show an interest in her studies. The papers were eagerly scanned now for news of the expected ship, butthe days sped on and still nothing was heard of the longed-for vessel. At length, however, one evening in the beginning of October, when thegray twilight was creeping silently over the busy town, Edith andWinnie were together in the oak parlour--the one sitting toastingherself cosily at the fire, the other lying on her invalid couchhalf-asleep. Downstairs in the large drawing-room a few guests wereassembled, and the sound of voices singing floated sweetly upwards andfell soothingly on the sick girl's ear. "Edith!" she said, opening her sleepy eyes for a moment, "I wish youwould go down beside the others and enjoy yourself. I feel in adeliciously comfortable mood just now, and will not miss you at all. Do obey me!" and she looked fondly over at the pretty figure baskinglazily in the firelight glow. Edith roused herself. "I should like to join them for a short time, Win; but it seems selfish leaving you all alone, and nurse is too busyto come and sit beside you just now. " "Oh, I shall not weary, " was the bright reply; "besides, the music willlull me to sleep in a few minutes. Run away, and think of me asenjoying my forty winks. " The elder sister rose, and kissing Winnie's little face, went slowlyfrom the room, along the passage, and down the broad carpeted stair. She had hardly entered the drawing-room and returned the greetings ofthe merry guests, when a loud ringing at the door bell was followed bythe heavy tread of a man's foot in the hall, and the next minuteRichard Blake strode into the gaily-lighted room and confronted theassembled company. "Just like the old Dick, " thought his brothers and sisters, rising towelcome the young sailor, whose sun-tanned face was shining with honestdelight. "Fancy stalking into a drawing-room in rough sea-faringclothes, and startling every one with his sudden appearance. " But inspite of such condemnation their welcome was hearty and genuine; forthe boy looked so happy and overjoyed himself, it was impossible not tobe infected with his gladness of heart. "Straight from the ship, " he explained to his step-mother, standinglike a young hero in the midst of the gay company, with a great joyrippling over his kindly face. "Got into dock only this afternoon; andhere I am, turned up again like the old sixpence. --Any yarns to spin?you ask. Why, any amount. But in the meantime I am desperatelyhungry, and could relish a hearty meal. " Then turning to Edith: "Whereis Winnie? Up in the oak parlour, I suppose. Well, I'm off to her atonce. She ought to have been the very first to bid me welcome. " A silence fell on all, and looks were exchanged of mingled sorrow andperplexity. "What is to be done?" questioned Mrs. Blake inwardly. "Some one mustbreak the news to him before he enters the oak parlour. " Dick, in complete ignorance of the effect his words were causing, wheeled round towards the door and prepared to leave the room, whenEdith stepped forward saying, "Yes; Winnie is in her own sanctum asusual. Come; I will accompany you there. " The boy stopped in amazement. "What for?" he inquired bluntly; "Iwould much rather go alone first. " "Yes, I know, " was the confused reply; "but please humour me thisonce;" and Edith slipped past him as she spoke. Dick followed, a little mystified and annoyed; but his amazementincreased when Edith, opening the library door, drew him into that roomand closed the door swiftly behind him. "Bless my boots! is the girl mad?" ejaculated the boy, turning to thetables and chairs for sympathy. "I am beginning to wonder if I havefallen into the clutches of some escaped lunatic. I say, Edith, oldgirl, do you take those fits often?" His sister, however, had no answering smile on her lips, and her voiceshook slightly as she replied, "Dick, please prepare yourself to hearbad news. You ought to have been told before, but we kept the evil dayas far off as possible. Dear little--" Then she stopped short, terrified at the expression on her brother's face. "Don't beat about the bush, Edith, " he cried in a voice hoarse withemotion; "I can bear anything better than suspense. Tell me, is Winniedead? But no, "--glancing at his sister's shining garments--"it cannotbe that, thank God;" and he drew a long sigh of relief at this point. "No, Dick, " responded Edith, giving him a glance of warm sympathy, "but--" and very simply and tenderly she broke the sad tidings to theagitated boy. Then there tell on the silence and stillness of the room the sound of astrong heart's sobs, as Dick, in spite of all his manliness, laid hishead on the table and wept like a little child. Oh, how often, often in his lonely night-watches had he pictured thishome-coming--dwelling on and gloating over each little detail as amiser does over his gold, till the whole dream-picture became beautifulwith a golden glory. He saw the tiny, fairy figure flying to meet him, the quaint gipsy face glowing its joyous welcome, and the great darkeyes shining their wondrous gladness. He felt the clasp of two softarms round his neck, the touch of warm kisses on his lips, and heardthe bright, merry voice melting into sweetest tones, as words of loveand tenderness were poured into his hungering ear. And this was theend of it all--his dream-picture shattered, and a young life blastedthrough a haughty girl's thirst for revenge. Dick's heart was full of rage and hatred. "If Ada Irvine were withinmy reach just now, " he muttered, "she would live to regret this day. "Then raising his head, he looked, and found Edith had slipped away andleft him alone with his grief. The boy rose, sighing heavily. "I am hardly myself yet, " he said, dashing his rough, sun-burnt hand across his eyes, and moving slowlytowards the door. "What a fool I am, giving way like this! But thesethings unman a fellow, and I need not be ashamed of my tears. Wheredid they say she was? In the oak parlour. Well, here goes;" and offstrode Dick, swinging along the lighted hall and up the broad stairs atwhat he afterwards described as the rate of knots. CHAPTER XVII. "I SHALL LEARN TO BE GOOD NOW. " "Dick, Dick! is it really you? O my dear boy, I can hardly believeit!" and Winnie clasped her feeble arms tighter round the youngsailor's neck, as if fearful of waking and finding it all a dream. "Yes, it's the same old fellow turned up again, Win, " was the reply, given half chokingly. "Nip me, and you will find I am neither ghostnor spirit, but real flesh and blood. " And the boy, kneeling by theinvalid's couch, felt his eyes growing dim and misty again at the soundof the weak young voice lingering so lovingly over his name. "I am so glad, " said the child, lying back amongst her soft cushions, and looking at the big stalwart form before her. "I have been longingand longing to see you, Dick, through each weary day and night;yearning for the touch of your hand and sound of your voice: and now, to think you are really, truly here, alive and well! God is very good, dear, " and the low voice uttered the last words solemnly and reverently. The boy looked at his little sister wonderingly. "Have you learned tosay that from the heart, Win?" he asked with greater earnestness in histones. "Looking at your life as it is now, as it is likely to be allthrough the future years, can you still repeat the words, 'God is verygood'!" The child's lips drooped, and a sad look brooded over the pale whiteface; but the meek voice continued, perhaps somewhat tremulously, "Notalways, Dick; but that is in the wicked hours, when I am full ofsinful, rebellious thoughts. Some days like just now, however, hisgoodness seems to stand out in a bright, clear light, and a great hushof peace falling on me, I find myself whispering over and over again, 'God is very good. ' Aunt Judith says it may be a long time, but sooneror later I shall be able to repeat those words, not only now and then, but every day of my life, even in the darkest hours; and that will besplendid. You must not be too sorry for me, dear old boy. Do youremember asking me before you went away to try to live as I ought tolive, and do my duty nobly and well? I could not keep my promise, Dick. When I was able to go about in the bright, beautiful world, Idid wicked, wrong things whenever I felt inclined. I enjoyed everypleasure to the very full, no matter who suffered; but now--I shalllearn to be good now. " Dick was almost overcome again. "Win, " he said huskily, "you're anangel! When you speak like that you cause all my sins and shortcomingsto rise up before me, and I feel as if I were not worthy of your loveand tenderness. Ah, little sister, it is little pure souls like yoursthat help to keep men right in this world, and guard them in the hoursof temptation and danger. God bless you, Winnie darling. I thank himfor giving me such a precious sister. " And this was the boy laughed at and mocked by the other members of thefamily; spoken of as a dunce and scapegrace, and who would never makehis mark in the world. Ah, well! what did it matter? The true, honestlife now beginning to declare itself would soon tell its own tale, andprove that there are more Sir Galahads walking on the earth than peopledream of, whose "strength is the strength of ten, because their heartsare pure. " For a long time the two, brother and sister, sat talkingtogether--talking over past, present, and future, and feeling that thelong separation had only served to deepen and intensify the love theybore each other. And now a new link was knitting the twain more firmlytogether, --the link of pain and helplessness on the one side, andstrong protecting strength on the other. After that the days fled all too rapidly. Sailor Dick made a greatdifference in the house. It was something new to hear the fresh, hearty voice trolling out wild sea-songs, and to listen to yarn afteryarn told with infinite gravity, and yet brimful of the ridiculous andimpossible. The rough, hardy sea-faring life had improved the boywondrously, bringing out the noblest traits in his character, makinghim less sensitive and more self-reliant. Captain Inglis, who hadcalled on Mr. Blake, and was now a welcome visitor at the house inVictoria Square, stated his thorough satisfaction at Dick's conductduring the whole voyage, and spoke of him in the most praise-worthyterms. Altogether there was great cause for commendation; and the boyawoke to the delightful knowledge that he was no longer beingdown-trodden and treated with disrespect, and that some day Winnie'sprophecy might be verified of his father being proud of him yet. "Blessings on the skipper's head, " he said one afternoon to Winnie, when she told of Captain Inglis's genuine satisfaction. "He's athoroughly good old chap, and not one of the crew could say a wordagainst him. But I say, Win, what makes him come poking about here sooften? Why should he not give his old mother the benefit of his sparetime? Poor body! it's rather hard lines being left so much alone. " "She's coming to see me, " put in Winnie laughingly. "Captain Inglishad been telling her about the cross invalid sister you possessed, andshe asked if she might be allowed to call some day. " Dick whistled. "So that's the way the wind is blowing?" he muttered under his breath. "Well, this is a truly wonderful world in which we live. " Then aloudto Winnie: "You'll like her, Win; she's a first-rate old lady, brimmingover with kindness. Shouldn't wonder if she invites you to stay withher later on; and, my eye! if she does, just you go. She'll pet andmolly-coddle you till you won't know whether you're standing on yourhead or feet; and I'll bet you'll be as snug as a bird in its nest. " Winnie looked interested. "Has she a nice house?" "Tip-top, and nobody in it save herself and the servants. The skipperhas plenty of money, and goes to sea from choice, not necessity. --Why, I declare, Win, here he is again, coming along the street. He gave mea half-holiday, but I did not think he was going to take one himself aswell. If this kind of thing continues much longer, you maycongratulate yourself on having another brother soon;" and Dick winkedknowingly. "What do you mean?" asked Winnie, staring open-eyed; but themischievous boy had vanished and left her alone in her bewilderment. All good things come to an end, and every day has its close. The _Maidof Astolat_ was ready to set sail again, and once more the time drewnear to say good-bye. "Farewell, Win, my little angel sister, " whispered Dick, kissing thesweet face with dimmed, misty eyes. "God keep you for ever and ever, and bring me safe home to you again. " Then followed a long, lingeringembrace; and Winnie was left to wait and hope till the long months anddays would pass and her sailor boy return once more. "Yes, I miss him sorely, Aunt Judith, " she said one evening to MissLatimer about a fortnight after the ship had sailed; "but I have somuch to be thankful for, that I feel as it I dared not grumble. Youhave no idea how greatly he is improved, and how much more highly he isthought of now by every one in the house. I wish you had been able tosee him, Aunt Judith. " "So do I, Winnie; but I was too ill the day he called, and this is onlymy second walk out of doors. " "Were you very unwell?" questioned Winnie, again scrutinizing herfriend's face anxiously. "Aunt Judith, I don't believe you are nearlybetter. There are great hollows round your eyes, and your face lookshaggard and worn. " "Nonsense, dear, " answered the kind voice, and Miss Latimer's smile wasvery bright. "Remember I am an old woman, and pain leaves traces on anaged face. --What about yourself, Winnie? is the darkness brighteningyet?" "I think so, Aunt Judith; and Dick helped me so much. Perhaps thebeautiful life is within my reach after all. " "There's no 'perhaps' in the matter, dear, " said Miss Latimer softly;"but my little Winnie must be patient, for the grand, sweet song oflife has its beginning, and the opening chords may be tremulous andlow. Child, " she continued passionately, "the grandest songs--thesongs that echo and re-echo through eternity's limitless bounds--arewrung from hearts crushed and bleeding with anguish, and the infinitepeace and calm come only after long strife and pain. Darling, myearnest prayer for you is that God would perfect in you his own image, and that you may come forth from the furnace of affliction withChrist's own brightness shining in your face. " That was the last talk Miss Latimer ever had with Winnie. She had beenfar from well lately, and after reaching home that night complained offeeling very tired. "Go to bed, auntie, " pleaded Nellie; "I am sure you are fit for no workto-night;" and Aunt Debby seconded the words. But Miss Latimer shookher head with a slow, sweet smile. "My last chapter must be finished this evening, child, " she said, gently yet firmly; "after that I shall please you all by taking a long, long rest. " Persuasion seemed useless; and the midnight hour found Aunt Judith busyat her desk, filling up page after page with those wonderful thoughtsof hers. Aunt Debby could not rest that night. Something in Miss Latimer'smanner and appearance had awed and frightened her, driving the sleepfrom her little bright eyes and chilling her heart with a vague, undefined sense of fear. At length, in the middle of the night, sherose, unable to quell the uneasy thoughts which haunted her, andstealing softly downstairs, opened the door of her sister's sanctum andlooked in. The lamp had burned low in the socket, and was casting asickly gleam over all; the fire had died out, and the gray-white ashesgave a dreary, deserted appearance to the room. A great hush broodedaround; and yet not so awful was that intense stillness as the solemncalm which seemed to infold the quiet figure sitting so silently in themidst. Aunt Judith sat before her desk, her head bent slightly forward on herhands. There was nothing unnatural or alarming in the position, but anawful dread stole into Miss Deborah's heart and caused it to beat witha wild fear. "Judith!" she called tremblingly; but the quiet figure never stirred, and no response came from the pallid lips. Aunt Debby flashed thelight of her candle full on Miss Latimer, and then started back with anexceeding bitter cry, for the face on which the light shone so clearlywas white and rigid in death. The eyes, wide-open, were fixed on thesheets of manuscript before her, as if she had been earnestly studyingthe closing words; and the face, though white with the pallor of thedead, still retained its own sweet expression. Looking down at thewritten sheets, Aunt Debby noticed the last chapter was finished, andknew Aunt Judith's life-work had ended with it. [Illustration: The eyes, wide open, were fixed on the sheets ofmanuscript before her. ] "My last chapter must be written to-night, child; after that I shallplease you all by taking a long, long rest. " How those words rung inMiss Deborah's ears as she stood gazing on that silent figure, sittingso quietly in that awful death-hush! Not the quiver of an eyelid; nota tremble of the lip; only that great, solemn calm. It was all overnow. The pain and weariness; the constant striving after the true andbeautiful; the daily self-renunciation; the life so completely devotedto the service of others; and the last lingering notes of the grand, sweet song had been sung in silence and alone. "Goodness and mercyhave followed me all the days of my life, " she had remarked to AuntDebby not so long ago, "and, thank God, even in the darkest night Ihave never failed to find a star brightening through the gloom. " Nowthe earthly shadows were done with for ever; the bleeding feet had trodthe last steps of the thorny way, and entered by the gate into the holyJerusalem, where "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither haveentered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared forthem that love him. " CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUSION. Six summers has the green grass waved and sweet flowers bloomed overAunt Judith's grave; six long, long years have come and gone since MissDeborah entered that silent room and found the death-angel casting hisdread shadow there. And what have the seasons brought? Ease to thesorrowing heart and laughter to the weeping eyes. "Time heals allwounds; one cannot mourn for ever, " say the wise people, and in ninecases out of ten their words hold good, though I think there are somesorrows which no lapse of time can cure--sorrows which deepen andintensify as the years roll on; only the wound, bleeding inwardly, ishid with a sacred reverence from the gaze of the outside world, and isknown to the sore-stricken heart alone. Be that as it may, however, Miss Latimer's friends could afford tolaugh and smile now, and joy as she had done in God's beautifulsunshine. The earth is still as fair, the skies as blue as they werein the bygone days when her quiet voice drew the thoughts of thosearound her to the nature-world with all its wondrous beauty, and eachcan say with glad accord, -- "Daisies are white upon the churchyard sod, Sweet tears the clouds lean down and give; The world is very lovely. Oh, my God, I thank thee that I live. " Let us take one more look at them ere we close the book and lay itaside reverently and tenderly as we would the folded page in a closinglife. It is a cold, wintry evening. Outside the wind is sweeping up and downthe streets, wailing like a soul in pain. The rain is dashing againstthe windowpanes, and beating with wild, ungovernable fury on thoseexposed to the disturbing elements. But inside warmth and comfortreign supreme. The oak parlour is all ablaze with light, and thelaughter and merriment filling the whole room betoken the happy, genialspirits of the occupants. Let us see if we still recognize one andall--if six years have wrought no ravages or particular change on thosewe knew in their happy childhood days. Close by the fire, lying on a luxuriously-cushioned couch, is a younglady, whose pale, thin face bears traces of weary pain. Yet the darkeyes are bright and smiling, and the voice has still its own merryring, which plainly betrays the old Winnie of bygone days. Surely AuntJudith's words are coming true, and she is learning beautiful lessonsin the school of pain; for the pale face shines with a peaceful calm, and the words which fall from her lips are the words of one who hasbeen in the furnace of affliction and come forth tried as silver. Seated near on a low stool, with legs stretched forth in lazy comfort, is Dick, newly home from a long, perilous voyage. He is very muchimproved and changed, but in the gallant young officer one can stilldiscover traces of the bluff sailor boy whose kind, honest heart wonfor him the love and friendship of all with whom he associated. He hascontinued to rise steadily in his profession, and Mr. Blake is proud ofhis scapegrace son at last. A little further away, at the other side of the fire, sits Edith, smiling and light-hearted as ever, and with the same fair, sweet face;but a plain golden band, circling one white finger, proclaims that thegay, laughing girl has found a woman's true place in the world, andthat the grave, gentlemanly captain has won his suit in the end. And now we have come to the last occupant of the room--a young lady, seated in very unladylike fashion on the rug, and so little changedthat in the fresh bright countenance we have no difficulty inrecognizing our old friend Nellie Latimer. She is spending a few weeksin town with Winnie, and if report speaks true, there is a possibilitythat in the dim future Winnie may find a sister in her old school-mateof past years. "How nice and cosy we all look!" she is saying in her blithe youngvoice; "one values light and warmth on a night like this. Hush! do youhear the wind? I pity those on the sea to-night. " Dick looks grave. "Ah, Nellie, " he replies quietly, "pity hearts thatare watching and praying in their lonely homes. " "The wind, " says Winnie in a low whisper, "always makes me think ofAunt Judith in her quiet grave. I suppose it is a stupid feeling, butI hate the thought of the rain dripping and making a wet, wet sod aboveher. I should like the sunshine to be always lingering on her quietresting-place. " The laughter has died out of each face, and eyes become a little misty, showing the dead friend is still near and dear to the hearts of thosewho loved her. "Dear Aunt Judith, " murmurs Nellie sadly, "we never realized how goodshe was till we lost her. Every one with whom she came in contactseems to have felt the benefit of her influence; and I--why, I owe hermore than I can ever tell. " "I think we may all say that, Nell, " adds Dick. "It was she who firstinspired me with a reverence for all women, and helped to make me whatI am now. " "As for me, " says Winnie with a sad, sweet smile, "she showed me theway wherein I should walk, and taught me the great beauty of theChrist-life. " Then Edith's clear voice broke in: "And I--I have learned from MissLatimer lessons that will help me throughout all my life. She hasbeen, I think, as an angel of light to us all, and I shall never forgetwhat we owe to her goodness and love. " "I have always been going to ask some of you girls, " says Dick, "ifAunt Judith knew she was likely to die in such a sudden manner. Everytime I came home I had that question on my mind, and yet never managedto ask it. " Nellie replied: "Oh yes! and Aunt Debby knew also. That was why AuntJudith lived so humbly and simply. She felt she was the mainstay ofthe family, --that both Aunt Debby and Aunt Meg looked to her for theirlivelihood; and so she strove hard to win and lay aside money, with thehope that if she were called away suddenly there would be sufficient tokeep them snugly and comfortably after her death. She suffered fromsevere paroxysms of pain at intervals, and each attack left her weakerand feebler. Then, besides, she seemed to have had some great sorrow, though Aunt Debby never told me what it was. Oh! they missed herdreadfully at first; but since they left Dingle Cottage and came tosettle down beside my father, they have been more cheerful. " "Do you like having them so near you?" inquires Edith; and Nellieanswers truthfully, -- "I like being beside Aunt Debby, she helps us so much; but Aunt Meg isvery trying at times. " At that moment Captain Inglis, who has been closeted with Mr. Blake inthe library, enters, and then the conversation changes. The oldschool-days are talked over, pranks and punishments described amidstshouts of laughter; and by-and-by the talk drifts on to Ada Irvine andthe prize essay. "Have you ever heard of or seen Ada lately?" asks Dick curiously. "Isuppose she is quite a young lady and a great beauty now. " "Agnes Drummond called the other day, " replies Winnie quietly, "andsaid she had met Ada last week at a friend's house. It seems she isjust as haughty and proud as ever; but, O Dick, I am sure you will besorry when I tell you that all her beauty is gone. The whole face iscompletely marred by small-pox, which she caught when abroad with herfather. " "Serves her jolly well right, " cries Dick, the old man in his naturecoming to the front. "A girl who can act as she acted deserves arighteous punishment. I don't suppose she has ever eaten humble pie toyou girls yet?" "No, and never will, " puts in Nellie. "She persists to this day insaying Win gained Mr. Corbett's medal through Aunt Judith's help, andthat I never learned a single lesson without assistance. " "Hark!" says Captain Inglis, "there is the carriage. --Edith, my dear, it is time we were going home. " So the merry party breaks up, and soonthe silence of midnight settles over the city. Slowly the wind lulls itself to rest; the storm is over; therain-clouds sweep back from the sky, and the stars gleam forth withsoftened brilliancy over the sleeping world; while the fair, placidmoon, rising from a mist of vapours, shines down on the sodden earth, and lingering near a quiet churchyard lays her tearful beams, fondly, tenderly, on a peaceful grave marked only by a marble cross and thesimple words, --"Aunt Judith. " THE END.