The Carved Cupboard

's Di

d bud co

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inging laugh and little snatches of song, as she came in and out, cheered all who heard her. And C

were waiting for the postman in the garden, and Elfie had seated herself on the top bar of

she responded laughingly; 'I have neve

be contented w

e you to make you unhappy to-day? You're expecting a letter from Hugh, and Miss Villars is coming to tea wit

summer skies

m one hal

nter's sno

hite down i

ou live in

; 'it's too warm this morning to argu

letters with a bright nod of welc

s Hugh's! Now, Clare, be happy! And there is not one for m

back with her again. Even as she read she let the letter fall in her lap whilst she mused upon the past. 'I used to be so cross to him. I took all his love and attention so coolly. If I only had him back again, how different I would be! He was always so

She remained motionless for some minutes then, and was rising slowly from her seat to go and hear t

scroll. It was in Arabic, as I thought, an

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ed it up w

can see. I will have another loo

ard ship. She had fallen in with nice people-a Mr. and Mrs. Montmorency, goi

r neighbourhood, which they hope to be before long, and they have promised to do so. Mr. Montmorency does not think farming pays in Walter's locality. He says there are many things more profitable; but I will not tell you all our talk. I spend most of my time wi

nt Arkwright?

e la

er. Do you remember, Agatha, how we used to enjoy their wordy combats? I always thought that

say where he is going. I remember he had a great idea of shielding women from the br

oes she say?

e is away, and hopes to get valuable hints from Mr. Mon

ps!' observed Clare. 'I only ho

e cupboard. She was very fond of this occupation, and had decorated several little tables and stools. She found Mr. Lester's

border edging the panels, she suddenly sta

tains the secret of the lock or spring

ed bud c

s infinite a

finger and thumb she tried to move each one in succession. At last one began to revolve; she tur

e. She had discovered the secret, and the cont

d her of the mysterious cupboard that some thought contained proofs of a crime, came to her min

er prevailed. Clare closed the panel hastily, turned round the carved bud till

d a sigh

wouldn't do to let the maids get wind of it. I shall write and tell Hugh, of course. How interested he will be! It was really rather clever of me to find it out, for it is a

d a letter at once to Captain Knox. Her discovery delighte

oon, bringing with her two shy, la

nza. Their father is a curate in Liverpool, and I am trying to feed them up, and get a little colour in their

en with them, where their tongues unloosed, and they poured forth su

indows all day long. Miss Villars is awfully nice, and she makes us enjoy ourselves. At home one feels quite wicked if one reads a storybook, because there are so many of the boys' stockings to be mended, and cooking, and our own lessons in between, for we go to a day school for three hours every morning. Now here, Miss Villars takes us out

two delicate girls, envied Miss Villars the privilege of being

her friend, for after tea Agatha had sped down

ss yet?' asked Miss Villars presently. 'Yo

iss Villars, I don't think I shall ever be satisfied in this life. The more I ha

spoke, but her sm

t he will not come back at all. I think I should die if he did not! I long sometimes to go out to him. But I can't. I

n that for a moment Miss Villars thought i

you except by sympathy. There is only One who can, and you w

away out of the window up to the sweet sum

nd the Bible seems no help, and prayer a weariness; and then I give up

one else but Miss Villars could have done naturally. She took hol

eed speaking to One who was close to them. And nothing jarred her feelings. She only seemed to be d

t silence. It was broken by Elfie's return from the garden with the girls; and without a wor

was kneeling by her bedsi

rest of soul; give it to me. Oh, if Thou art waiting to bless, I am

prayed so ea