'Yes, do go, Effie,' said Clem; but his voice sounded very plaintive.

'No, darling, I could not leave you all alone; I would much rather stay with you.'

I don't mind being alone,' answered Clem.

'I am sure, dear, you would feel very dull; and I should not enjoy myself a bit if I thought of you all by yourself. It would be horribly selfish of me. Don't say anything more about it, please, Russell;' and then Effie turned and looked longingly out of the window. It was a most glorious day, and seemed to invite every one to come out and enjoy themselves; and Effie did feel a little struggle-a little shade of disappointment passed over her face, and she brushed a tear out of her eye; but the next moment she looked up quite brightly, and said—

Thank you very much for wanting me to go, but really I would rather not. I hope you will all enjoy it very much, and tell Clem and me all about it when you come back. We will have some lovely music together, won't we, Clem? and be just as happy as they are. And I have a new book, too!'

Russell watched Effie, and saw in her face the struggle and the victory. It was like a new lesson to him. He had never before seen any one determined to give up their own pleasure in such a way; but he was vexed and disappointed. Somehow, in

that short week he had learned to be very fond of Effie. He was always watching her, and listening to her, and he never felt so contented as when she was talking to him.

If you don't go, I shan't either,' he said. 'I would rather stay at home too; and I will read to you and Clem, while you work.'

'Oh, what nonsense!' answered Effie. 'I would not keep you at home for anything!'

But Clement exclaimed, 'How nice! we shall have a happy day together. And will you tell us some stories, too?'

'Yes, Clement,' answered Russell, as many as you like.' But while he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Effie; and he added in a lower tone, 'Would you rather not have me with you?'

Effie looked up at him reproachfully, but his eyes were fixed so earnestly on her face, that she blushed scarlet, and began to work very fast.

'Tell me,' he said presently; 'for if you wish it, of course I will go?'

'You know I only wish you to enjoy yourself,' she answered, looking up rather timidly. She was half afraid she had offended him; but he gave her one of his rare, bright smiles, and said gaily

'Very well, then. I will enjoy myself in the way that I like best;' and went out of the room.

In a few minutes he returned with paper and paints.

'It's all right!' he said, as he settled himself at the table. 'I've seen Dr. Bradley, and he is going to let us both stay at home.'

Just then the other children burst into the room to say good-bye to Clement.

'Why, Effie and Russell not ready!' they exclaimed. The carriage is waiting, and papa is in such a hurry for us to start.'

'We are going to have a pic-nic at home,' answered Russell.

'I say, what nonsense, old fellow!' began Gus. 'I never heard of such a thing-staying at home poking in the house on such a day as this. It's quite a sin!'

'I prefer staying at home,' answered Russell; ' and I think I generally know my own mind.'

'Well, I don't understand it,' answered Gus, looking vexed. 'At any rate, I mean to enjoy myself' And so do I,' answered his friend, as he began to cut a pencil.

'Come, come! we must be off at once,' shouted Dr. Bradley as he came into the room. Get into your place, Gus. Good-bye, Clem, my boy! I hope you will have a happy day, Effie; and you too, Russell. Mind you take care of her!' And in