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

"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, and he will defend you with his life, if needful."

"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.

"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?"

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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?"

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

will come here for his Easter vacation, then you may see him. Charlie, don't you feel yourself suddenly very

rich ?"

“Indeed I do, rich in every way; but I care least for the money. I'd sooner have рара, and you, than all the

treasures in the world."

At breakfast Lord Menteith asked his little son this question: "Charlie, do you remember anything of your childhood at Menteith? You were but three, when taken from us, still you might recall some memento of those early days."

"I remember a name, papa."

"What is it, dear?"

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‘Lily, papa; and someone used to say my 'Lilyflower.'

"Lily is Lilias Menteith, your mother; and your being able to remember her name, is an additional proof that you are her son. It is I who call her 'my Lily-flower.''

"I am going to service, this morning," said Nettie Waring, "with cousin Charlie, if he will be my escort?' "I shall be very pleased," was the reply.

As they entered the cathedral, they fell in with the boys-O'Connell at their head-who drew aside to allow them to pass, respectfully raising their college caps.

"Good morning! friends," said Charlie, and took his accustomed place.

"Good morning to ye!" said old Pat. "Faith! Prince, but ye ought to see the Jarvices,-they're skulking about,