NAMELESS; OR NOBODY'S DARLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4124, 22 September 1883, Page 7 (Supplement)

NAMELESS; OR NOBODY'S DARLING.

BY JENNY AVREN.

{Written for the "Star Supplement.")

CHAPTER I.

ON THE THKESUOLD. " No, I certainly shall not give my sanction to such a questionable undertaking,".said Mr Flidgett, as he buttoned his great coat closer round his spare form. " Of courso you are at liberty to please yourself, Rachel, but I really should have given, you credit for bettor sense than to propose the adoption of that wretched infant, ■who, for all wo know, may be the child of the most disreputable parents. Their desertion of it does not argue much in their favour, anyhow ; and what in the world are you going to do with a baby '!" Miss Flidgett looked up from tho sleeping child in her lap, and replied, cheerfully, " Adam, how can you be so hard-hearted ? Here is the little perishing creature found at your door, exposed to the rain and bitter wind, that even you wrap up against, and you would send it away ! where to, I'm sure I don't know. But I will not listen to you ; she shall be my own peculiar care, and God helping me, shall never know tho miss of the unnatural creature that has so little right to tho sacred name of mother." 80 saying, the warm-hearted little woman ! gathered the little stranger to her loving breast, murmuring tender words of endearment, heedless of the emphatic manner in ! which Adam shook his head, as lie hastily clo.-ied the door, exclaiming, "I wish you joy of your bargain, that's all ; you'll find the brat rather more trouble than a pet poodle, or chattering parrot!"

Miss Rachel was generally spoken of as being an old maid, though it reully would have been difficult to guess how far she deser%'cd the title.

Slight in iigure, quick and agile in every movement, her pleasant face always reflecting the impulses of her large tender heart, there was yet ."in indescribable matronly dignity, v subdued grace of expression in all she said or did, that told its own silent story to those who knew her well. Love, with its tender home-ties, its daily abnegation of self, and entering into the heart of another one chosen from the many as a life-mate, was not for Rachel, though truly it seemed that few could have been more fitted for such a life. Across the fair broad brow a shadow often rested, to be dispelled directly any one needed her help or sympathy, but there still remained the furrows drawn by secret sorrow, the few "silver threads" among the golden tresses tbat were so neatly gathered round the shapely head.

The sight of the helpless, abandoned child had awakened all the silent choi ds of sympathy in Rachel's heart, and although Peggie, their ouo help, protested loudly against the U ouble the little creature would cause in their hitherto quiet, orderly household, and Adam frowned in sullen anger at the idea of the possible expense that might accrue, Rachel was determined to prove herself the little foundling's friend. It had been a rough, wintry night.

The wind had risen to a terrific height, And the rain had fallen so heavily that many a householder had to lament tho loss of his chimney or the incursion of the water into the lower regions of his dwell-

Yet when Peggie had cautiously opened the front door in the early morning, there upon the threshold, under the shelter of tho verandah, stood a large basket, or more properly speaking, hamper, the lid partially raised to admit the air, and the handle bearing a small card addressed to "'Miss Flidgett, with the sender's earnest prayers and dying blessing."

Wondering what the strange label could possibly mean, Peggie had carefully carried the basket into the hall, when to her surprise she realised the fact that it contained a living creature, yea, more, a little human being ; for as she deposited her burden upon tho hall table, there proceeded from amid tho folds of blanket in which it was envoloped tho cry of a little child. Quickly she summoned Miss R:ichel and carried the basket, into the kitchen, and there, beside tho warm tire, they had divested it of its numerous wraps, revealing the slender, delicate form of a little girl, apparently about nino or ten months old, seemingly none tho worse for her rough experience of life on a cold winter's morning.

The.little creature, who had evidently just wakened from sleep, looked wondoringly around, and for a few moments cried loudly, as though frightened at the sight of strangers ; but when Mi.ss Rachel gathered tho uosolate child to her loving heart, soothing it with tender words and caresses, it presently hushed its sobbing cry, and nestled its tiny head, that was covered with pretty clustering yellow curls, against that kindly bosom, clutching with baby hands the long tress of golden hair that had fallen dishovellod over Rachel's shoulder.

Soon she fed it with the warm food Peggie hastily prepared, and then the blue eyes closed again, and the little stranger slept.

Peggie having arranged an impromptu bed in a large clothes-basket, tho child was laid therein, beside the fire, and llachel proceeded to search the hamper thoroughly, in tho hope of iinding some clue to tha child's parentage.

Nothing, however, could be found among^ the dainty little garments that were packed so neatly in the bottom of the basket whereby to identify the little one, save a tiny handkerchief of finest cambric, on which was embroidered the simple name of " Agnes ■;" no scrap of writing, save the label outside the hamper, which Miss Rachel carefully transferred to her privato drawer, together with the dainty little kerchief. Greatly moved, Miss Rachel returned to hor chamber, to ask guidance in this matter of Him who hath promised to give wisdom to those who seek His counsel.

Then she consulted Adam, who strongly advised that the child bo sent to the "Home" provided for such unfortunate orphans, but this Misb Rachel would not hear of, declaring that it evidently was the Intention of Providenco that she should care for this little forsaken waif, and she would accept the charge as a sacred trust from the Father of the Fatherless.

Many wero the wondering conjectures formed as to who, in all the pleasant little town of Auckland, could havo been guilty of such cruelty as to forsake and cast away the helpless babe that Nature bade them cherish and protect. But Rachel thought of thoso heart-thrilling words, "dying blessing," and sho wondered whether she had, perhaps, judged too hai-shly ; or if, perchance, the little one wero indeed motherless. So when repeated urgent inquiries had been made, and no clue could be discovered of the little foundling's parentage, Rachel determined to legally adopt it as her peculiar treasure, on which to lavish tjie ■wealth of love her lonely heart was long-

ing to bestow, and forthwith consulted her most intimate friend. Miss Carthrow, to assist in tho choice of a name for the little one. "Rachel, it ought to be, really yes, certainly, lot it be Rachel !" said the lady, as she caressed the unconscious cause of Adam's displeasure But to this Rachel would not agree. "She did'nt wish to perpetuate her name," she said, and after some reflection she proposed, "That, as the little one was indeed to all appearance ' nameless' and forsaken, sho should be called ' Nameless,'or 'Naniie, the latter being a pleasant abbreviation, and of sweet, suggestive, loving cadence to tho heart that henceforth would shelter her with fondest care." "But whoever heard of such a name?" cried Miss Cartherw. "Whatever will people say? Believe me, Rachel, you will bo simply cruel if you thus brand the child for life with such a stigma ; and then, consider what questioning it will cause in her mind if she lives to grow up. Sho will be liable to hear remarks made upon the peculiarity of her name that will puzzle and perplex her, and most likely render her discontented or moody. No, really, Rachel, you must not call her ' Nameless,' it will never do; you will bo sorry afterwards, dear, when you see how it will affect her character and perhaps happiness also."

"Esther," replied Miss Rachel, "you misjudge mo. I would shelter her from all remark ; nor would I grieve or wound her by a seeming pointed allusion to her nameloss birth. I intend to do my duty, God helping me, to this child ; but a name, how can I give her ? For all we know, this very peculiarity may lead to her identification by some relative in the future, bo let her ba called ' Namie' at least in our own home, by those who ,love her best. But in this matter I will" yield to your superior judgment, Esther. You hava seen moro of the world, and know more of its petty unkindnesses ; so in case the peculiar name should subject my pot to uncharitablo remark, let us call her 'Agnes'— though to mo she will ever be ' dear little Namie.' "

"I think this much the wiser plan, Rachel," replied her friend, "for if you keep to your decision to tell the child nothing of her adoption, and allow her to grow up with the idea that she is your niece, your Tory refusal to answer any questions she might auk would awaken the strangest feelings of suspicious wonder in her mind, and plant the seeds of discontent in her young heart."

" I wish to keep her for my own, if possible," said Rachel, thoughtfully ; "there are very few who know the real story, and Peggie will respect my wish, as also will Adam in this matter. As for you, Esther, I would not so far question your friendship as to doubt for a moment that you will preserve this secret until such time as it may be wise or necessary to reveal it."

" You can trust me, Rachel," was the reply. "Soit ig dscided that the little one is to be named Agnes Flidgett, though we shall call her by your chosen sobriquet ' Xamie.'"

So the little stranger found a home, and learned to lisp the name of " Aunt Rachel," by whom she was daily more fondly loved, and in whose gentle, faithful charge she grew from sickly, dolicate babyhood into more robust, hearty, happy childhood.

CHAPTER 11.

SHATTERED IDOLS,

Tub prettily-situate town ot Auckland, that lias been rightly called the Queen of the Waitemata, was rapidly increasing inside and prosperity, and theseatof Government at the time of our story bade fair to stand second to none of its sister towns in ,Kew Zealand's lovely isle.

The country generally was disturbed by the continued riding of the natives, and the presonce of various Homo regiments increased tho traffic of this important commercial post.

ToAdaraFlidgett.thclandagentandgeneral sbarebroker, the present state of affairs was certainly favourable, though he had not as yet succeeded in making his pile, for even his koen wit and far-sighted calculations had not enabled him to hnd the " philosopher's stone." In spite of the smart little pickings to be gotten out of retiring militia, who were often obliged to part with their apportioned acres at a very low value, in tha face of 'many neat little swindles in the scrip or sharemarket, Adam Flidgett was aboutthe most miserable littleman that ever sat on office stool.

Poor Adam ! Happiness had repeatedly seemed to be just within his eager grasp, but again and again the phantom fortune had eluded him, and to Adam there was no happiness -without gold. Consequently bo had become more and moro dissatisfied with himself and the world at largo ; his lean figure became moro stooping, his wizened features more cadaverous, his thin, wiry fingers more restless in their eager movements as he sat in his dingy office turning over the leaves of his ledgers and summing up the long rows of ligures that constituted his sole hope and ambition. With his whole soul he longed for wealth ; he desired above all else to be pointed out by his friends as " a comfortable man, a warm man, a man who had always a friend " (in his estimation the best possible friend) in his pocket. But at present Adam had not acquired this position ; his past life presented a most unsatisfactory retrospect from the time when, a young man, he had quarrelled bitterly with his elder brother, and, like the son in the parable, had stood forth in jealous discontent, saying, " Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me." For peace sake, the old man had acceded to his wish, and Adam had bidden farewell to the home of his youth, and come out to New Zealand with high expectations of success.

For a time ho had done well, until in oagter haste he had invested his capital in a " grand scheme " that, like many others, proved a failure.

Then came the "rush" to Otago, and Adam had gone thither in pursuit of gain ; once more he proved fortunate, and married the only daughter of a monster company, by whom ho was persuaded to "go in heavy," and in common with many such found himself a victim to a huge swindle. He had loved his young wife as much as it was possible for him to love anything save gold, and when, soon after the shock of her father's sudden arrest, she was seized with fatal sickness, Adam was doubly grieved.

He had marked with silent satisfaction the fact that his elder brother remained unmarried, and had set his fondest hopes on the possession of a son as possible heir to the Oaklcigh estate. But now these hopes were scattered, and Adam returned to Auckland an embittered, impoverished man. About this time, news came to him of his mother's death, and his only sister, Rachel, hearing of his bereavement, and not being very happy with her father, who continually urged her to marry a wealthy young scrapegrace whom she detested, came out to Zealand and established herself as his housekeeper and devoted companion, striving by sympathy and patient care to win him to a better life.

Always selfish, he grew morbidly sensitive now, and acquired a suspicious manner of believing himself universally wronged and defrauded. Rachel bore his petulant moods

with silent horoiam, knowing that no other tio remained to her in this etrano-e new country. ° '

They had formed but few acquaintances and made very few friends, Adam's customary taciturn manner repellin-.- some who would have visited the pleasant, retiring, yet always sympathetic Rachel. There was one friend, however, whom this lonely heart retained foritself—that was Esther Carthrew, for whom there was always a pleasant spare chamber at " The Blue Gums," whenever 'she chose to avail herself of its cosy retreat. Rachel and Miss Carthrew had been fellow passengers on the voyage and had become firm friends and allies in many a pet scheme of helpful unobtrusive charity since they had landed in Auckland. Miss Carthrew was the only daughter of a wealthy family at home, who had seen much of society, and wearied of its charms. She had travelled much, principally in search of scenery for her pictures, for she was an enthusiastic admirer of Nature, and her sketches were x"'onounced to be very real and life-like. Many a noble suitor had sought her hand, but to one and all the queenly Esther gave the same reply : "I am wedded to my art, my pictures are my children, the creations of my own imagination are my dearest friends ; I need no closer earth ties."

On the death of her only brother, a fragile youth of sixteen sickly years, Esther had"inherited the noble property, but it was let to strangers,',wliile its owner roamed through many lands, indifferent to the wealth sTie possessed save as a means of relieving the distressed or contributing to her enjoyment of her beloved art. She had tarried in Italy, had revelled in its beauty of scenery, its fine old masters, its matchless works of art. She had climbed the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, and sketched its grand old glaciers with a true artist's zeal. She had wandered in the lovely valley_ of the Rhine, and visited each favourite resort of the tourist in the beautiful cities of the Fatherland. "Weary at last, she had decided on taking a long sea voyage, and visiting the far-famed shores of the Britain of the South.

On board the Cotopaxi she had met the timid, gentle - hearted Kachel, and immediately gave her the benefit of her experience in travel, so that it became a noted fact that wherever Miss Carthrew might be, there was ltachel "under her wing." She was some years Py-achel's senior, a tall, handsome woman, whose every movement betokened the strong, intellectual soul that looked out from those dark, expressive eyes. An excellent linguist, an accomplished musician, well read in all the popular literature of the day, she could converse with graceful ease on any chosen subject. Such an one was Esther Carthrew, Rachel's only friend, whomshe waswonttoregardas an ideal of perfect womanhood. Her own special apartment at the "Blue Gums" was the repository of all her art treasures, and here the lonely woman would spend many happy hours in converse with this other noble, well-informed mind.

Here too, thechild "Namie " would linger with delight, and it constituted one of her chief pleasures, whenever she had been specially " good," to be taken by Rachel to Miss Carthrew's little studio, and gaze with admiring pleasure upon the various watercolour sketches that adorned its walls. But there were times when the pretty rooms were shut up for weeks, even months together, for Miss Carthrew was intent upon the collection of a series of views of New Zealand scenery to send Home, and would be absent nearly all the summer months in this pursuit.

Then it was that Rachel felt her loneliness and clung to the little child with all the warmth of her loving nature. Adam never noted the fact that as the years rolled on Rachel's natural buoyancy subsided into a tender gravity ; he never questioned her as to the cause of her solitude and shrinking from society, never guessed that beneath that sweet, patient manner, lay a burden ofttimes grievous to be borne —the memory of the shattered idol she had exalted in her inmost heart, and presently found to be clay instead of marble.

Miss Carthrew noticed the change in her little friend when, after an absence in the South of some months, she returned to her favourite retreat. Her quick woman's instinct told her that here was another version of the old, old story, love's joy, so brief and fleeting, love's sorrow, true and lasting, and with all her heart she pitied her friend for this "weakness," though she respected her far too highly to intrude into her confidence.

Yet ever after that there was a tender cadenco in Esther's voice when she sx>oke of Rachel—a gentle, sheltering influence in her noble friendship, that was an unspeakable comfort to the stricken heart, and when Namie came, there was a strength of confidence in Rachel's manner toward this her friend, who in all things, at all times, had proved herself truly worthy of the name, ofttimes so lightly used, yet so tenderly sacred to many a trusting heart.

CHAPTER 111,

ADAM GOES HOJIE,

Time passed. Little STatnie was now a pleasing, intelligent child of seven years old, and proved a most lovable, loving little soul.

To " Aunt Rachel " she gave the warmest affection and willing obedience, but was always a little afraid of the col!, stern man, who seemed to pass her by as quite a nonentity, simply regarding her as ''another of Rachel's whims,"and expressing no interest whatever in her welfare. Rachel had kept her word: the child had never troubled Adam. Out of her own private income she supplied all that was needful for "Namie's " comfort, attending to her simple studies herself at present, in. which pleasing cUity she was from time to time assisted by Miss Carthrew, whoso interest in the little foundling was sincere and lasting. Meanwhile there had been changes in the little town of Auckland.

The removal of the Government to Wellington had been rather a severe blow, and the partial withdrawal of the troops had lessened the commercial traffic for awhile ; yet wiso folks prophesied favourably, and encouraged each other to " stick to her yet," as she would surely rise to a pro-eminent situation, and become a city of repute and prosperity.

How far those predictions have been verified, Auckland herself,' now a noble city, can testify. _So Adam resolved to "stick to " his office, dingy as it was, in lower Queen-street, while Rachel economised in the old house on the Kyber Pass Road, known to the passorby as the "Blue Gums." By-and-by pleasant sounds assailed the quick, sensitive ear of the wizened, little, old man (though Adam had not yet reached the age of fifty, he appeared much older) who sat so diligently in that musty little room. Rumours of a goldfield in the Province of Auckland were floating through the air, and now the native panics were subsiding, there were likely to be some "warm dealings " in the land market ;so Adam worked and watched daily, with a diligence worthy of a higher cause than thomerepursuit of wealth. Rachel's $hief delight coiftistod in the training and culture of her little charge,

who early displayed an earnest desiro for learning, and whose impulsive, unselfish disposition afforded her "aunt" increased pleasure.

One could scarcely have said that Namie was pretty," yet there was something irresistibly attractive in the bright, open features, and Namie's smiles were like glints of sunshine in Miss Rachel's ofttimes shadowed life.

Ofttimes an she watched her with fond solicitude. Rachel would wonder silently "who this little waif of the night wind could be ? or to whom she owed her beinoand existence in this strango world ?" ° And presently there came to ' Adam Flidgett the desire of his heart.

The Thames Goldfield was proclaimed; and with higli hopes of good luck "Adam hurried thither, pegged out a claim, that proved a very rich one, and when lie returned to Auckland there were somo thousands in the bank to his credit. Gold, gold, precious gold, was his once more, and he determined this time to be more careful of bisgains. Ho became more penurious than ever, hoarding his wealth with secret delight and exultation, that at last lie might, to use his own words, "snap his fingers at the world," and enjoy the possession of his treasure, undisturbed by business cares or anxieties.

By-and-by they moved further away from the bustle of the town, and took a pleasant villa residence on the Epsom Road, where Rachel lived more secluded than before, busying herself with Namie's education, and the arrangement of the pretty rooms she had set apart for Miss Carthrew, who was now on a tour of the Waikato.

Never yet had Namie learned the story of her adoption by Miss Rachel, so she instinctively believed herself to be the niece of that beloved guardian. Whenever she attempted to converse on the subject,"she was met by a mild, half-sorrowful remonstrance to " never mind, dear, somo day I will tell you all I know of my little Namie." One morning, as Miss Rachel sat with her knitting in the pleasant window-seat, listening to the sweet notes of a favourite X>iece of music Namie was playing in the adjoining room, Adam ' Flidgett entered with an open letter in his hand. "Rachel," said he, seating himself in an easy-chair opposite to her. " I have just received an import-ant communication from Home. Our brother Reuben is dead, and his solicitor writes to inform me that as Reuben died unmarried, I am heir-at-law." "Poor Reuben !" cried Miss Rachel, "I wonder if he was happy at the last. His letters for some years past have convinced me that there was a sorrow in his life. I think it must have been some unhappy love affair ; or why should he have remained single ?" "Pshaw! exclaimed Adam," you" women are always weaving romances ; what I want you to understand is this : in consequence of Reuben's having died intestate (they have found no will as yet) I must hurry Home as soon as possible. Will you accompany me, or remain in Auckland ?"

Miss Rachel was too much astonished to reply at once to this practical question, but as Adam waited with unmoved countenance for a reply, she faltered, "But, Adam, you will return to Auckland, will you not? There's Namie."

"Nonsense about Namie ! how old is she now ? nearly seventeen ; old enough to take a situation of some sort. Tell her the truth, and she will be only too grateful for past kindness to repine, too strong-minded to waste time in tears. We cannot take her to England.

" I shall most likely remain there, and reside at Oakleigh Hall (ho moved his han-!s restlessly as he anticipated the delights of proprietorship), and should, of course, prefer your presence at my table, but if you would rather vegetate here on a couple of hundred a year with your precious jirolcgc, I can offer no objection, but will make such arrangements as you may think advisable."

" Oh, Adam ! you are too hard," pleaded Rachel. " Have I not always made your pleasure my highest aim? and now you would leave me without a regret." "I do not say so," replied Adam, fidgeting uneasily in his chair. "I say I would rather you go with me, but I cannot be pestered with a nameless nobody, whose pedigree curious neighbours would beanxious to ascertain, and whose presence, to say the least, would be exceedingly embarrassing."

Miss Rachel sat quite still for some momenty, looking thoughtfully out of the open window, through which was wafted the scent of many blossoms on the sweet summer air. Even as she gazed, the lithe, slender form of the young girl glided past the window, and R.achel caught the tender refrain of the song she was humming softly to herself in the very happiness of her heart.

Could she, by act of hers, turn those smiles to tears, and send that bright young life with the bitter pang of 2'arting from one who had filled her lo3t mother's place V Could she leave that innocent girl alone in a cruel, heartless world, to fight life's weary battle alone and uncared for, perchance to fall a. helpless victim to the many snares that are cast In the pathway of unprotected youth ?

Rachel's loving heart revolted at the thought,and turning quickly to her brother, who still waited her decision, she exclaimed, "My path is plain. You with wealth,home, and fi iends, do not need my services, will scarcely miss my presence ; Namie, alone, unclaimed,friendless,save forEsther'skindly interest, needs my sheltering care, clings to me for love and guidance ; I shall remain in Auckland."

" So let it be," replied Adam, unmoved as a Stoic. " I thought most probably this would be your decision. I hope you may be rewarded for your fidelity to your duty, thougli I always thought that ' Charity began at home.' However, we will agree to differ.on that subject.

"Of coulee you will not ijeed this large house, so it can bo sold, and I have recently purchased, or taken over, a small cottage at Panmure, with good garden, orchard, and paddock, which I think will be a more suitable home for you and the girl. You could keep a cow, poultry, &c, and train your protegeiov a model settler's wife." Rachel could not conceal the pain it cost her to think of leaving the house she had hoped to make her permanent home, but Adam heeded not her emotion, as he hurriedly explained the necessity for immediate action, and desired Rachel to select such furniture as would be needed for her cottage home, and arrange for its removal thither as soon as possible. Not a word of any further provision or care for their comfort escaped his lipa, as he gathered up his papers (Rachel thought with an air of relief) and hastily left the room. When he was gone, Rachel sat down in her low chair, and gave vent to her feelings in a ilood of tears, which, however, sSe speedily dried, for fear of being discovered by Namie ; but as she sat there, strucT Clinowith her grief at Adam's heartlessness a sigh escaped her lips, and she longed for Esther Carthrew's great, earnest, faithful love to lean upon in this new sorrow Misa Carthrew was absent, spending a few weeks at the Lakes, sketching their matchless scenery for the benefit of some English fnend ? ; and Rachel knew not how to write this matter, it lay too near her

fovVn-i; i lhd?°" * Projected departure toi England, and then- own consequent removal but never breathed a word that might cast a shadow over that youncr life voh:d akthorcin. USi>iCiOn °£ th° . .FVIP n°* dwell u Pon tho painful details of the sale, or the inspection of tho fiveroomed cottage that Adam (generously) made over to his sister. ■*

The faithful Peggie did her " level best '* With Namie's willing help, to make tho place appear " home-like" before Miss Kachel's arrival; but the rooms were too small for comfort, and consequently tho furniture would not "fit in," as Peggie said, after repeated trials to push Naiiiie's piano into a recess, or hang Miss Rachel's book shelves in a cosy spot. "' I wish Miss Carthrew were here," said Namie, giving up hopes of finding a space for her pretty whatnot; " she would know what to do." "Ah! if she had been at home," replied Peggie, " I don't think tho house would have gone : she would have bought it in, if only to spite the master." Meanwhile, Rachel stood upon the deck of the vessel that was to bear her only relative far away from her patient, loving care. And as Adam turned to bid her farewell, a momentary pang of remorse shot through his callous heart s for his indifference to her long, faithful service, and he exclaimed hirrriedly, "Rachel, you've been a good sister to me. I wish I'd been more worthy of your love. AVrite often, and, here, take this, it may do for Namio when she marries, or for a nest-egg against possible need— and don't think me too hard. Uod bless you." With a convulsive clasp of the hand, Rachel bade him "God-speed," and in another moment she was standing on the wharf, watching the stately vessel glide off like a thing of life, out upon the sparkling waters.

Slowly Rachel retraced her steps up Queen-street.andwaited fora 'busin which to return to her beloved Namie, when suddenly a tall figure bent over her, with kindly anxious face, and a familiar voice exclaimed, '' Rachel, what 13 it ? Where are you going- ?" The sound of that voice was like music to the lonely heart of that patient woman, who had been striving so bravely to. bear her burden alone, and with a look that pierced the very soul of Esther Carthrew, with its tender, pleading pathos, she faltered, "Oh! I'm so glad you 'er come, I wanted you, Esther."

" Well, here I am, and what's more, I'm going to stay; but did you want the 'bus? Are you going to l'anmuro ?" inquired Miss Carthrew, wonderingly. "Yes, replied Rachel, "I am going to Namie; come with me, Esther; I havemuch to tell you."

Without further demur, Miss Carthrew deposited herself and her belongings in the omnibus, and as they were the only passengers, Rachel soon made _her acquainted with their changed prospects. "Well, I always thought him mean," said Esther slowly, " but I did not give him. credit for such cold-blooded desertion.

" But he is a man, and a very selfish one, so he will be equal to anything. By tha way, Rachel, did he tell you anything about a certain love suit of his that had proved inopportune lately ?"

"No," replied Rachel. "I have never thought of Adam as a lover, Esther. What do you mean ?"

'' Mean ! why, don't you think we should have made a nice couple ¥' exclaimed Esther, smiling her coldest, mo3t sarcastic smile.

" Esther," cried Rachel, "you don't mean it; it could not be that he would think of you." "As a bride, as his wife," said Esther coolly, "I assure you such is the fact. I last week received the honour of the offer of Adam Flidgett's hand and heart, that is if he owns such an impressionable article. There, never mind,"she added, seeing poor Rachel's confusion and angry blushes forher brother's audacity. "I did not accept it, so you need'not fear that I shall follow him; no, we will cling together henceforth, Rachel, and do our best without his patronage ; I dare say we can manage to be happy in our own way. There's Namie to think of too."

"Yes, even Adam thought of her at the last, replied Rachel, snatching at a gleam of sunlight in the cold, hard nature of her brother; "see here, he placed this in my hand at parting for Namie's dowry," and she produced a cheque for £100, Adam's farewell tribute to her faithful love. "A balm for an accusing conscience, my dear," said MissCarthrew; "acunninglittledevice, truly ; I dare say it cost his' sordid soul many a pang to part with so much precious gold. "

Arrived at the turn of the road that led to their new home, the ladies left the rumbling vehicle, and were soon warmly welcomed by the delighted Kamie. Miss Carthrew looked askance at the narrow dimensions of their respective apartments, and decided in her own mind that she would find weans to enlarge " Scoria Cottage," on the pretext of requirino- a studio for her own special use. The evening passed pleasantly enough, as all evenings were wont to do in Miss Carthrew's company, but a shadow rested on the placid brow of Aunt Rachel that not even Namie's tender affection could dispel. She was glad that Esther had come, she was thankful for her helpful sympathy, but there was only One to whom "she could reveal her heart's secret sorrow, and by-and-IW *en sho knelt m her silent chamber at the feet of Him who stickcth closer than a brother, and told out all her grief, she was comforted in His love who never faileth. Trust Him, tried heart, and thou shalt find that to every sable cloud of earth's experience there is a silver lining of Heaven's own peace and joy. (To be Continued.)