Well, these domineering lads happened to know old Mrs. Ellis, and her circumstances, which they published abroad in the school, making matters very unpleasant for our little Charlie. Their father also wrote to Mr. Ellsworth, complaining of his having in the school a boy of such low origin as Charlie. He moreover threatened to injure it by spreading amongst his acquaintances, that at Norstone Grammar School, washerwoman's grandsons were educated, saying, too, that he should place the affair in my hands, on my return. I received a letter from him last week, he is coming to-morrow, and there is to be a meeting of the Chapter, and myself, to discuss Charlie's removal to Mr. Shirley's Academy; but of course that is now virtually settled. Poor Charlie's has been a life of uncertainty and discomfort of late, as you may imagine; though we have protected him to the utmost extent of our power. He has lately suffered in health; indeed, I will confess that this afternoon, both the Precentor and myself, were fearful he would not be able to get through the anthem."

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Then that is the reason his cheeks were so pale, and his eyes so weary and heavy. Waring, I feel strongly disposed to take summary vengeance on these Jarvices, for their cruel persecution of my innocent, helpless child. Let this meeting take place as arranged, and let me conduct the inquiry. Jarvice does not know me."

"You shall, if you wish. It would serve him as he deserves," said the Dean.

"If I don't change my mind, I shall order an immediate discharge to be sent him. What inhuman, unchristian treatment, and of one who was powerless to defend himself

against their machinations," said Lord Menteith, indignantly, a stern expression upon his noble face.

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"It is over, Waring," he continued, Your assertion is correct. No one shall dare hurt you now, my darling, they will have to strike your father first; my poor, little boy, my persecuted Charlie, dearer than ever!" and he drew his child towards him.

"You have your father to lean upon, now, my son,

he will defend you with his life, if needful.”

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and

What boy were you consoling in the gymnasium ? ' asked Alex.

"Ned Jarvice."

"What was the matter with him ?"

"He was afraid of papa, and I told him I should not tell of him, he need not fear, and I should not have done, if the-if Uncle Waring had not mentioned it."

"I saw you," said his father, "and was that the boy who has tried to injure you, who has shown such bitterhatred towards you?"

"Yes, papa."

For a few minutes the party sat in silence. No one ventured a remark upon Charlie's conduct, neither was any needed. The boy's act was so simple, so childlike, yet so noble, so indicative of the sweet, forgiving nature, as to command unanimous admiration, requiring no comment.

"Please papa, don't discharge Mr. Jarvice."

Somewhat surprised, Lord Menteith said, "But, my son, consider how he has wronged, and is even now meditating wronging you."

"I know, papa, and I do think he ought to be punished,

in some way, to warn him from treating others the same, who might not have a father. What I want, papa, is for him not to be turned out. I am safe now, I've got you, to to protect your little boy,'" and he smiled up into his father's face.

"We will leave this subject to-night, my son, and discuss it again, to-morrow, with Mr. Jarvice himself," was Lord Menteith's reply.

"If I were enviously disposed, there is one thing I should most assuredly envy you," said the Dean, after the youthful members of the family had retired to rest.

66 What is it?"

"The possession of your virtuous and dutiful sons, I have always wished for a son; but it was not to be, so I must be content."

"Are not your daughters equally virtuous and dutiful ?” asked Lord Menteith, "and will you not, ere the summer be past, have a son in my Alex?"

"True, Harry! I was not complaining. But is it not a blessing indeed that the whole of your family should be thus pure and good, while so many of the youth around are steeped in vice and immorality? Then there is this dear child. He has been with us six years, and never once during that period, have I had cause for complaint against him. Nay, more, his noble character has been the means of our boys attaining a far higher standard than before, the influence of example is so potent. His brave deed of a few months ago, you already know. It has made him the idol of Norstone hearts. Amongst ourselves, we knew not which most to admire, the high courage that dared risk its own

life, to save that of another, or the modesty, that is quite unconscious of its heroism. You have a noble, worthy child, Menteith, let us hope and pray that he may develop into an equally noble, and worthy man. I do not doubt him; but amongst the manifold temptations and allurements of this wicked world, a prayer that youthful feet may be preserved, and kept from evil ways, is always timely and appropriate."

CHAPTER XXIX.

A YOUTHFUL MEDIATOR.

EXT morning, when Charlie awoke, the first thing that met his gaze was the kindly face of Alex,

bending over him, with an almost fatherly tenderness in its expression. For an instant he was somewhat perplexed; but soon his quick mind recalled the important events of yesterday, and the fact the pleasant fact that he was no longer what he had so long considered himself to be, a friendless orphan. A feeling of intense happiness thrilled his young heart, as he flung both arms around his brother's neck, and kissed him.

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Oh, Alex!” he cried, "is it quite true that I have a father and mother, or have I been dreaming?"

"You may have been dreaming, dear," replied Alex, "but it is also true, quite true that you have a father and mother, four brothers, and a sister."

"I don't know the names of the others; will you please tell me, Alex?"

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Claude, Cyril, myself, Winifred, and Guy. You are the fifth son, and sixth child."

"I do long to know them all; when shall I see them ?" "You will see mamma, Claude, Cyril, and Winnie, at Rolandseck. Guy is still at school; I should think he