emotions stirred her, or higher and better aims and aspirations came to her like guests unbidden, then Elfrida sang. But too often there was a crust over her better self, and a proud defiant glance and scornful curve of that resolute mouth would keep every one at a distance. There is only one thing which will subdue that high untamed spirit, only one thing which will touch the living spring within, melt the frost-bound fountain, and let the warm. current of tenderness flow freely, - love must do its work. Love, the sun of life,-love coming down straight from the source of all love,-the Love of God.

W

CHAPTER VI.

AWAKENING.

HEN the Miss Ponsonbys regained con. sciousness, they always took up their occupation as if nothing had happened. These afternoon siestas were merely as it were accidental, and hardly an acknowledged fact. Sometimes, but rarely, a visitor was announced between half-past two and three; not often, for the neighbours knew that the Miss Ponsonbys liked to be 'quiet after luncheon.' To-day, a ring at the bell -not a sharp telegraphic ring, but a gentle oneroused both ladies; and Miss Adelaide began to straighten her cap, and Miss Ponsonby gave a good honest yawn, and remarked, 'It is much cooler to-day!'

The next moment Broome threw open the door and announced Mrs. Huntingdon.

Then followed the usual little formalities,-inquiries for the Vicar and for the two girls, and a

question as to the health of the schoolmistress,-and then Mrs. Huntingdon opened her mission.

'You were so kind as to say,' she began, 'that if your niece came to live with you, you thought you might like to allow her to join my children and Miss Bruce in regular schoolroom work. I have heard from my friend Mrs. Meredith to-day, and she is willing to come on the terms I propose. Your niece is with you, I think?'

These words seemed to recal Elfrida to her aunt's memory. Yes!' and then Miss Ponsonby looked towards the bay-window. Surely Elfrida had been there when she settled herself after luncheon in her comfortable chair: she was not there now. 'Adelaide, where is Elfrida?' she asked.

'I don't know; I thought she was reading the Forest Sanctuary.

'Ring for Broome, and tell him to request Bella to call her.'

This was done, and Broome, with an inquiring glance at the bay-window, departed on the quest.

Meanwhile Miss Dorothy, turning to Mrs. Huntingdon, said, 'My niece is somewhat untrained and unformed altogether. I confess I have my doubts as to whether any governess would much appreciate the labour of teaching her. At the same time, she must be taught somehow, for I cannot allow my brother's child to grow up utterly ignorant. This Mrs. Meredith is a friend of yours, Mrs. Huntingdon?'

'Yes; in early life we were much thrown together. Mrs. Meredith married before I did; she had great