Minnie Roslyn. OR FROM CHRISTMAS TO CHRISTMAS.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 706, 23 December 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

Minnie Roslyn. OR FROM CHRISTMAS TO CHRISTMAS.

Chapter I. ' For me the bloom fa flod ; Tuc •dent Gooiai of the Darker Sleep Turns down my torch— and weep, m} brethren, weep— Weep, for tho light ii d«ad !' —[Schiller Tt was Christmas Eye, an 4 Minnie Roslyn a beautiful girl of abcMj^four and twenty yean of age, slowly jlid sadly left her father s bedside, and foitthe night resigned to an old servant the sorrowful but yet welcome task of watching through the midnight hours. Mr Roslyn had been ill fur some months : and the ' Grange at Aeklimd,' «f hit, residence was called, had ye.i from day to d»y during those lung months a series of anxious inquirers f'otu ill- town and neighb urhood— (Hople oi all rtnks m life, who had been i "ust.ii t recipients of Mr. Uoslyn'* twwpit ility, in the good old day* when Mrs Koslvn prps'dcd at Their wedluiniihoil table, and Ned Ito*lyn, their only sdn, had not yet taken it info his Ih'.ml to ndopt • seafaring lite. At tin" titiwthi.s story was written. Mr h slui wst> nol an old man — < nly about (ilty; but after the death of his wife, to whom lie was tenderly attached, and the departure of Ins son" for Tasmania, he liecuiu- a more regular attendant at his Huh dined *t hoirn but seldon, nnd it was rum urcil in Acklund that he wa^ both dnn it. t» h»rd and gnmbling heavily. Dr T <)riin, i m*»ghb -nr, and a member of Vlr. li>-l^n - Hub was tl»e medical attendant of the Umily. nn<l a special ftrounte with .ill who enjoy< d good dinners choice wines, and jullj companionship, and with Mr. h'oslyn he spent a great deal of hU^itne. Yet Minnie's heart «ank within her as sue rt roilacti'd tliat Or Orvin had yet to cill it the Grunge before they retired to resr. an i that >)ie nould have *•> see him, tike his instruction* about her father and, wor-te still, that slu* would pr bubly have to h*'ur auain the oft repeated aH«"irance ' Uo«lyn cm -carcely get over it, I fear, Mm Knslyn,' always accomp»med, M Minnie thought, by ajauntiness of manner w huh was hardly becoming in her father's f i lend. No woniter, then, that the wellknown nnif aud sharp rap of the Doctor made poor Minnio tremble ; and when the tamilnr but now half suspected step win heard in tho entrance hull, Minnie's lip quivered, and hor pnle, thoughtful, but beautiful ' face becume for an instant ilmhed and anxious ; and there was a* contemptuous curl of her lip and an unusual frown upon her fiuely chiselled brow which showed the intensity of hor feeling n rid the anxiety with which she was filled. She stepped hastily into the drawingroom that Orvin might pass up to the sick-room without perceiving her; and, burying her face in her hands, she sobbed convulsively. Ti c certainty, however, of the doctor's speedy return, to be followed, a? she well knew, by an inquiry for her, aided her natural resoluteness ; and when ho *as announced five minutes later, all trace of emotion had passed away, and Minnie mot him with calm dignity, and returned his greeting with a self command which must have been somewhat puzzling to a man who was accuitomed to rule even the strongest will, and who, at a wealthy bachelor of not more than fiveand-forty, was petted and flattered by hopeful mammas as a welcome addition to dinners and balls, and a highly suitable match for any young lady who might be to fortunate as to secure his affections. But his heart, such at it was, had hitherto been untouched; and, though there were rumours that he was very often seen at the Grange, and that he very much admired Miss Roslyn's brown hair, yet it was certain he was still a bachelor, and that tho outward and visiblo signs of a change in his domestic relations were still very faint indeed. ' Good evening, Miss Eoslyn,' he said, blandly, as he entered the room, holding out his hand as Minnie rose, somewhat coldly, to return his greeting. ' You look pale to night,' ho continued, seating himself beside her, his face, as Minnio thought, somewhat highly-coloured. ' I fear you have been wearing yourself out again with too close watching over tho patient I wish, as an old friend of the family, that you would follow my advice a little more closely is far as you yourself are concerned, Miss Koslyn,' ho added, with just enough attempt at fascination to disgust an a fleet lonatc daughter whose wholo thoughts nnd anxieties wero centred in a kind and indulgent father. Bising with calm dignity, she replied, ' Will you tell me, Dr. Orvin, how you find dear papa to-night P' —the expression of an apgry and aggrieved look being tho only reply she made to his somewhat impertinent reference to herself. ' You arc angry, Miss Hoalyn, this evemog,' ho said; 'your anxious attention to your futlier is overtaxing your nervous system, and you may easily do more harm than good even to your unfortunate parent, whose hours, I beliove, are numbered — unless his disease should take a most unexpected turn,' ho hastily added, when bo saw the look of horror depicted upon Minnie's face — for it was clearly Orvin's l>hn to gain his object by exciting Minnie's fears Minnie stood aghast. 'My father dying ?' she asked, almost choking with emotion. • Can it be ? Oh, Doctor, do tell mo ho may yet recover ! Why should so dear, so loving a father be taken from me who have only ono friend left — poor old Nurse who now watches by his bedsido ?' This sudden outburst of feeling for a moment astonished Orvin ; but he quickly recoveredhiaself-po^iession, and proceeded in his calmest blandest manner—' My dear child, let me try to be your friend ; let me uUnd between you and a cold world ; let me — ' But ere tho sentence closed the poor girl had swooned away- Orvin with >us strong arm supporting her for an iiMtunt, and then placing her tenderly on tho sofa, fits next impulse was to ring i'ur help; but as suddenly his determination was changed; and kneoling by her side he ki-med her forehead with passionate fervour. She shuddered as though a L-rpunt had touched her, and, opening her eye*, horriblo disgust paiscd over her ' countenance, and casting a hasty glance ( )wunh tho dcor, met the terror stricken fiee of Nurse. All Orvin's previous perturbation had disappeared as if by m igic, and had been succeeded in an iMßtant bv the calm professional selfeommand bj which he was so woll known.

' Miss Ko*lyn has been sudly over work.naj luT-idf, 1 he said, as lie turned to tlio lifretionale but anxious creature who, for iliirty >e,irs, had made all the troubles of 'lie family her own. from the first attentions to .hi-ir helpless infancy to tho list ■iad offices due to tho departed ones ' I will send a simple mixture for her,' he continued, ' and will see her caaly tomorrow ;' and wilh a bland farewell he left the room. [ An instant later v and Minnie was sobbing on Nurse's breast.

Ch\ptkr 11. 'True daughter of N*ture, sho lovei not to roam, Bat meekly with Nature for ever at home, . By the father still dvrelleth the chid. — Sobillor. Minnie spent a re^less ni^ht, which the «weot strains of the Christmas waifs iiardly served to relieve. Nuise's attentions were divided between tlic sick nun ami his distivs^d and corrotv-stricken daughter ; for-its the f,ihhl\i\ oil creature afterwards oTplnine.il to Mimic, 'It was strnntic my dear. but ira mediately after Dr. Orvin loft Ins bedside, your father's fare breamo suddenly lit «p with one of his old sweet smilo*. and in a few moments ( ho had fallen into a blissful sleep which , continued almost unbroken thrnnghou' the night.' It was this unexpected improvement in Mr. Roslyn which caused Nurse to leave his room and to proceed to the drawing room t«> infrom Minnie, who. during the whole of that niubt, at least, received more attention than her father. •Goodwill to men! Peace on earth!' Minnie exclaimed, as the song of the singers floated on tho clear frosty air of the early morning. ' Where is the peace about which they sing ?' and as for goodwill, ;t seems as if it had all disappeared long ago ; for since mam. ma died everything seems to have gouo wrong, and peace seems to have left the Grange for ever !' and she sighed deeply. ' Peace is not outside us. but within us, Minnie' replied disinterested and selfdenying Nurse ; ' you arc exhausted with waiting and watching, and. as Dr. Orviu said. I dare sly want of outdoor exercise ha* lowered your spirits and — ' ' Don't name him again. Nurse, please ! He almost said that Pupa was dying ; and he rebuked mo, quife rudely, for watching be«ido him, •to the injury of my own henlth' as he said. I hato him for it What is my health worth to me if Papa dies ? The only happiness 1 have left is to wait upon him. When he comes to morrow morning you must remain in tho room with me or I shall tell him so, plainly,' she continued. 'Come, Minnie, dear, do not run the risk of making Dr. Orvin angry. He is an old family friend who is much attached to your father;' and, added Nurse, ' 1 think I heard him promise you, as I entered the room list night, to be your friend also.' Minaie shuddered, but said nothing ; for ■he had not told Nurse all that the doctor had said. She only recalled the circumstances in a broken, and disjointed fashion ; and the sole impressions clearly left upon her mind wero that Dr. Orvin had told her that her father could not recover, and that his personal attentions to herself had somehow produced a feeling of disgust. The church bolls of Ackland rang out merrily on Christmas morning. The frost had become keener as tho dawn|drcw near, and the oarol singers had all strayed to theirhomos with light hearts, Minnie's excitment had been followed by a blessed weariness which was soon succeeded by a deep but disturbed il umber ; and. as the first streak of day appeared, Nurse imprinted a loving kiss upon her forehead and, gently closing Minnie's bedroom door, left her, with a silent ' God bless her !' to the healing influences of sleep. Mr. Koslyn's composed and tranquil slumber still continued ; the smile was still playing on his anxious face as he muttered, 'Give tho men some refreshment, my dear ; and don't forget the sparrows to-day, for it's Christmas Day.' He was still sleeping, however ; but even in his dreams bis first thoughts were for others rather than for himself. His unconscious wishes were at once attended to. and when, two hours later, ho looked with his waking eyes into the affectionate faces of Minnie and Nurse, he declared that somehow he felt a now man, and that his disease had taken a tiara, he felt sure, for the better, — ' Ever since last night, my dear,' he added. 'The sparrows have fed lustily, papa, and are now fighting as merrily,' Minnie said, her pale face flushed with delight at the improved appearance of her father. 1 There is no peace anywhere now,' and she sighed heavily. ' I believe peace comes through trouble, my child,' he replied, * for I feel myself somehow drifting away from clouds, and trcuble, and my heart feels getting lighter. But leave me now, I want to sleep again. Tell Orvin not to wake mo. Joy comes to me in sleep ;' and he speedily settled down into bl'ssod slumber again. 'How strange,' Minnio said, ' that at the very moment when my heart whs wrung with, anguish a blessed healing should have stolen upon his spirit; and that my night of crullost unrest should been to him liko a new May morning !' Minnie had risen paler than usual, but her father's recovered spirits sent joy to her own, and there remained but faint trace of the excitement of tho previous Kening. In an instant a well-known rap d ring wore heard, and Minnie said calmly, 'Nurse,' take T)r. Orvin to the drawing room, and remain with mo.' Orvin was evidently ill, unnerved, pale, and uneasy ; and as he approached Minnie, who rose with a dignified ' Good morning,' it was clear tbas he was conscious of treading upon ground in which his professional skill was of no avail. ' I hope you are better, Miss Roslyn/ he stammered out, vainly attempting "to take her hand. 'I am quite well/ sho replied, ' and Papa is much better, and desires that he may not be aroused,' she added, firmly. ' I am glad of that,' he said ; ' but my mission this morning is to you, and not to Mr, Eosyln,' he added* seating himself by her side. ' My heart is aching, [ I am half mad, and altogether afool to have so upset you last night. But I have paid dearly ; for I have paced my solitary room all night long, and am here to offer you a fervent apology.' Minnie bowed graciously, and assured Orvin that no apology was needed. 'My visits here hire mealed to mo the beauty of your

character' he continued — (Minnie blushed angrily) — ' and your affectionate disposition ; and have boon hoping that I might succeed in proving to you that my heart is capab'e of an attachment as deep, and nurea* any lady could desire.' Minnie gave no reply, but ro9e coldly and waved her hand as an intimation that Orvin's advances were distasteful to her. Is there no hope for me, then, Minnie ?' '.None, Sir,' she replied, emphatically, her hand resting nervously on the back of a chair.' Orrin's lips became livid and his face white and red by fitful starts ; but in a few secondi his self-control returned, and ho said bitterly, ' Miss Rosyln— Minnie— you are making a grave mistake in refusing me. I havo told you of your father's condition, and that all my skill cannot Bave his life ; he owes me so much money that if you persist in your refusdl to to accept uiy honest love, the law must take its course' — and he anxiously watched Minnie's face as he waited for her reply. •And pray, doctor, what doo9 that moan ?' asked Nurse, who had hitherto suid nocliing. Her calm, firm eyo rested upon his face as she waited his reply Hejj , was evidently pnzzled ; but at length hflj i said, ' .Nothing but the calmest, wisest treatment can save him ; and I cannofl attend critical ca*es under such a trial ar this. But I will leave you to your reflections. Minni.o,' turning to Miss Koslyn ; 'Nothing but tho gratest skill, and especially the care with which Poultor has ; dispensed my prescriptons, coull have kept your father alivo till now. Do you still presist in refusing my honest love ?' ho added, with semi-professional pathos, as a last appeal. l Certainly ' sho replied calmly, ' I could never love you.' • Then say ' Good bye' to your father, and I tell you emphatically, that you will soon repent of your folly ; but it will then be too late.' And he strode hastily from the room.

Chapter 111. ' Heavy was the load bis breast For a twelvemonth bore ; Never could his trouble rest And he left the ihore.'— SchHler. ' Tio wealthiest treasure to his lot slnll fall Whoso heart, receiving, still returaetb all.' — Scbillar. Dr. Orvin had paid his last visit to Mr. Roslyn, and almost his last also to any of his "Acklund patient* Mr. William Poulter, P. R. 0 S., who had long attended some cf his less serious cases, and superintended the preparation of the medicines sent out from Dr. Orvia's surgery, was at once placed in charge of the Grange patients and, bafore many weeks, of the whole of the sick folks at Ackland. Puulter was a yonng man of about eight-and-twenty, and was little known except as the able assistant of the still abler physician who, for so many years, had been a welcome guest in the hospitable homes of this northern village. He had dined once only at the Grange, when Mrs. Roslyn was living, *nd it was well known by Mr. Eoslyn and Minnie that that far-seeing lady had expressed the opinion that Poultc was a man of ability, and ' more honest than some medical men/ No special repret was felt therefore when the visits of Dr. Orvin were superseded by those of plain Mr. Poulter ; and Nurse ventured to remark to Minnie that the latter seemed glad to welcomo Mr. Poulter, and that she certainly was more cheerful in his company than she had ever seemed in. the company of the eminent man who3o love she had so unceremoniously rejected. As for Mr. Roslyn, he continued steadily to improve : and, as Minnie often declared, ' the change seemed to come at the most critical moment of my life ; for you see, papa and I are all in all to each other, now poor dear Ned is gODe.' Ned was mourned in two senses ; he had been long at sea, and the ownors of his vessel had in the spring, received news that tbo ship had gone down with all hands in a West Indian j tornado. This information had, however, , been carefully kept from Mr. Roslyn, lest • his recovery should be retarded. To him 1 tho visits of Poulter seemed strango and uncalled for. He was now steadily mendI ing, and • What in earth has become of Orvin?' — he would aften ask with a shuddor. 'What has become of Dr. Orvin?' — a rcasionablc question which must now bo answered. He reachod homo lato on Carisraass Day, after his visit to the Grange, irritable and sick. Shutting himself in bis room he took refuge in copious doses of whisky, vainly striving to drown tho thought that he, Dr. Leonard Orvin, with a pratice worth two thousand pounds a year, and private property amounting to fifteen hundred pounds annually, had been refused by the daughter of a private country gentleman, whose expectations, under most favourable circumstances could not rise beyond a paltry few hundreds a year. For the first few days he frequently examined a smnll revolver which he kept in his bedroom ; but his vexation somewhat cooled by-and-by. At the end of January ho had a long interview with his solicitor, and, as Spring approached, lie left for Italy, Mr. Poulter having by this tinio charge of all the doctor's paticnta, At tho Grange Poulter was a daily visitor, and .evidently watched with no ordinary interest tho various phases of Mr. Roslyn's disease, which had been for some time waxing weaker and weaker under tho combined forces of doctor, nurse, and a good constitution. Minnie's hpalth to, improved rapidly, and when the buds of May burst forth, her usual bloom returned, and Mr. Poulter solemnly declared to himself, after an unusually exciting game of chess at the Grange, that ho knew no flower so beautiful as Minnie Roslyn, whoso hazel eyes, brown hair, and honest heart, had fascinated him. At chess, Minnie generally came off conquercr; and after an unusually long series of defeats, under each of which Poulter seemed to give far more attention to his opponent's comfort than to tho due array of his own forces, on one bright May day he owned himself beaten in all respects, heart included ; and his fair opponent having a human heart of singular affection and honesty, a mutual surrender was the happy result. Mr. Roslyn was pleased, bocau<o Minnie was happy; and though his mind was not clear as to the cause of Orvin's sudden disappearance, yet as he gained strength daily nnd saw all around him happy (including, of course, the sparrows, which were fed every morning), ho vigorously throw off any gloomy reflection! as to tho

possible consequences to himself of Orvin's disappearance. As for Mr. Poulter and Minnio, they were too happy in their mutual love and confidence to allow any thoughts of Dr. Orvin to trouble them. Poulter might haxo gnossed the cause of Orvin's voxa tion with the Roslyn'.i ; but his own transparent character was too unsuspecting to attribute motives on mere suspicion ; and as Minnie had carefully avoided any distinct statement as to therelation between herselt and Dr. Orvin, Poulter learned nothing at the Grange. Yes, one little piece of information he certainly learnt; — thnt one of the last things which Orvia said to Minnie was, that her father's life had largely depended upon the care with which his assistant prepared tho medicines prescribed ; and the gratitude of the loving family was now expressed very frequently by Minnie, in those charming moments of rapture which young lovers improve so well — 'My dear, we all owe you much ; for I verily b -Hove that, somehow or other, you have saved papa's life, even when you scarcely knew us. A.nd then why should jmu have fallen in love with me, who have ?' This was always Hjj^^^kpd sp conclusive an evidence of (n!e^oaeess of Mr. Poulter's heart that ■Minnie never deemed it necessary to wait Tor a reply. The question was generally followed by a very pretty toss of a very pretty head, and the sadden bound of a very beautiful girl to the performance of some duty in another room from which however, shealways returned very quickly, looking on each, occaiion prettier than ever. The symptoms of the approach of this delightful lovers' funbecame # indeed, so familiar to the man whose daily duty fell so largely among ' symptoms, 1 that he was able to prevent being left alone at the end of the question ; for on the faintest intimation that this ' affection,' as he called is, was likely to return, his strong arms were placed lovingly round the unresisting Minnie, whose loving eyes looked confidingly inhis, prepared, indeed to accept thankfully and loyally such treatment as, in Mr. Poulter's opinion, this ' running-away case' seemed to require. In William PcuUer'a opinion, and the patient's likewise, it was a case which needed very frequent and caroful attention !

Chattkr IV. 1 Woe, I toe the wild wind wreak Its wrath upon thy rosy bloom ; Winter plough thy roua-ind cheak, Cloud and darkaesa close ia — Schillor. ' LOrers' lives are cast among roses ;' — this may bo so. indeed it probably is ; for tho sweetest roses are ofien the most thickly beset with thorns. The love of Poulter for Minnie Uoslyn, however, knew no drawback. It was one clear cloudless, midsummer day. Minnie's love also was just of the sort from which true happiness springs — a trustful, honest, hopeful love, which makes English homes the happiast, and which accepts with equal frankness the wealth or the poverty with which they are associated. Poulter never once thoueht of Minnie's pecuniary expectations, and Minnio loved Poulter no better for the fact that at tho end of May, DrOrvin, who still remained abroad, intimated by letter bis determination to retire from practice, presenting his Ackland connection to Mr, Poulter as an acknovledgment of his services. Of course Minnie was delighted at the thought that she should be able, as Mrs. Poulter, to minister to the wants of the poor ; and her lather, who was by this time so far recovered as to be able to walk unaided, and to revel among the flowers in his beautiful garden, wa« pleased to know that Orvin's place would be filled by a respectable man of whom his departed wife thought well. ', To tell the truth, however, he had never expressed real gratification at Minnie's engagement to Mr. Poulter. Ho had acquiesced in it, and was thankful that Minnio's fresh colour had returned, and that sue seemed quito happy. Butj Orvin's disap^oarnce was so mysteriou>| o him, and his continued absence so thoroughly inexplicable, tb it Mr. Jioslyn shuddered with dread when the news reached him that Dr. Orviu had transferred his praclieo to PouHcr. •It is very strange that Orvin should have left without seeing me,' he said to Poulter; 'We have always been friends ; and indeed there as been certain business transactions which remain still uns 'ttled,' he continued. , Well, in truth, I know nothing of his private affairs,' Poulter replied; '1 only j know that he seemed very ill after ho returned from the Grange on Christmas Eve, and he scarcely seemed right afterwards. Minnie says that his conduct was most strange, and that ho seemed anxious about both you and her.' 4 1 can understand that my case has somewhat puzz'ed him, but I believe he 1 paid you a high compliment when he was ' hero last. lie has evidently every j confidence in you,' Mr. Itoslyn added. , This was followed by and awkward pause, ' during which Mr. Uoslyn took in his hand ', with asoct of uncotwcioui affectiou, Uio tiny green bud of a standard rose;— (for , they were in the garden) — when suddenly f Mr. Poulter exclaimed, ' Why, hero '. comes Mr Begly ! Perhaps ho comes on ■ the business which you have mentioned. I will leave you for the present' Mr. Begly was Orvin's solicitor, and the nature \ of his communication may bo inferred from the fact that, after a few minutes' conversation Mr. Boslyn was carried indoors insensible. He was carefully taken to his bedroom, and Poulter wai quick ! ly in attendance. ' It is nothing more than might have been expected, when asked, after so serious an illness, to go into busi- > ness matters,' Mr. Poulter urged. Poor Minnie was horror-striken at this sudden relapse, but was comforted by Aha assur- [' ance that the present sjmptoms wero not 1 serious, and in reply to Minnio's enquires i fromßeglyastotho nature of the attack, she [ i was put off by being told ' you ladies don't understand business, and «o it's of . no use for mo to explain matters much. . Maybe, however, you'll see a little way into tho thing when I tell you that Mr. i Roslyu owes Dr. Orvin a good deal of money ; and, as tho doctor is settling up, we're bound to got Mr. Roslyn to settle up. In fact, Miss, we hold the securities, and now wo'ro obliged to realize on 'em.' This was so much Greek to poor Minnie, who would have given anything sho had for Poulter to hftye been there and to have i

explained all to her. Tho only further explnnation she received from Mr. Begly, however, was that with tho exception of about one hundred and fifty pounds a year their property now belonged to Dr. Orvin, I and that immediate arrangements were j being made for the sale of the house and its belongings. Poor Minnie ! In the evening when Mr. Poulter came, the story was rehearsed with swollen eyes and a throbbing breast ; but there was no help for it. Poulter had no control over Orvin, knew nothing of hi 1 ? affairs, was not himself possessed of much property, and was imperfectly acquainted with the world's sharp practices in money matters. Of course he comforted Minnie with renewed assurances of his love, and suggested arrangments which would at once secure to them protection ; but she would decide nothing. She wept bitterly, in spite of his entreaties, and only ceased when she remembered that her father again needed her care. Mr. Poalter, before leaving, re-as9urod her as to her father's state, and with a more prolonged and more affecttionate adieu than usual, they parted with a reluctance they had never known before.

CiIArTKR, Y. 1 ' Lora sighs through brooklets silver-clear, Live bids their murmurs woo the vale ; Listen O list ! Love's soul ye hear la his own plaintive nightingale. No sound from Nature ever stirs, Bat Love's sweat voica is heard with hers.' —Schiller. It was the month of July ; and Bracken Bale a beautiful valley m the centre of one of England's northern counties, looked the very picture of repose. The hills on all sulos were covered with timber, every leaf quivering with joyous hfo uuder the gentle West wind, and the loving sunshine which kissed them, day by day, into grander tints and into more luxuriant vigour. Ferns of varied forma and habits waved gracefully beneath, and white and purple foxgloves nodded smilingly to each other as the zephyrs stirred their fairy finger-bells, from which a lively imagination extracted airs of heavenly sweetness, which played in gentle undertones in tho great chorus of tho birds overhead, iiippling streams, in which trout and grayling played, added their peaceful babble to the general murmur of joyous life ; and a contented but poor peasantry tilled their garden plots and wove their stockings in happy ignorance both of the wealth and the vice of city life. It was to this peaceful vale that tho Roslyn? removed from the Grange only a few days after the change in their circumstances had been explained to them. Like wise folk, they refused to wait and see the scattering of their household goods at the ruthless fall of the auctioneer's hammer ; but a few days after the visit of Mr Begly they accepted an invitation to an old friend in Ackland, whence they removed, some days later, to Violet Cottage, in Bracken Dale. No one in Ackland knew their destination; and the Grange was left untouched in the hands of Bpgly, down even to the minutest details. Ono treasure only wa3 rescued from the general wreck, nnd that was due to the delicate thou^htfulnoss of an unknown, yet wellknown friend. A. large black mas tin 0 which had been Minnie's mate from childhood wa3 purchased and sent to her beforo they left Ackland, The history of the transaction was a mystery ; a servant of the house in which they were staying found the faithful creature standing close to the door, wagging his tail and listening to every footfall. A ticket tied to his collar bore the inscription, ' Minnie, a present from a friend.' Poor Minnie burst into tears, for she bad no doubt as to the thoughtful donor-wt was Poulter's handwriting. After the first shock producpd by the announcement of Mr- Begly, Mr. ltoslyn steadily gained courage to look calmly upon his circumstances, and Poulter saw him and Minnie constantly, offering such advice as his little experience afforded. Minnie, however, grew every day moro thoughtful, and even somewhat reserved ; and when old Ponto marchod into the -room and presented himself to her as an additional proof of Poulter's affection and his own, she faiily broke down, and at once insisted upon leaving Ackland the next morning. Sl»o wrote, however, a short but important noto to Mr. Poulter, which ran as follows :—: — 'Mv DEi.HE3T Will.— Poot Ponto's appearance has broken my heart, and I cannot stay another day in Aokland. I wish I could thank you as you deserve for all your love ; but it would be unjust in me any longer to accept it with a view to our union. My father needs me more than over. I am penniless, and your profession requires that you should marry a, lady of means. You must forget me for ever, and may God bloss you. Yours truly, Minnh.' Before the note reached Poulter the Boslyn's had left Aokland, and we»e already at the first resting-place in their journey ; for, to prevent their route being detected, they bad arranged for two ' t'oppages before reaching Bracken Dale. Poor Poulter, how gladly would lie have given up all his prospects if he might only havo shared their poverty ! How he envied faithful Nurse, who, he learnt, had insisted upon accompanying them without 1 ono penny of wages But Minnie's deterlnioiUiou had settled the matter and he was helpless. It was the end of July when Minnie saw Bracken Dale for the first time. Mr. Eoslyn indeed had mado acquaintance during bygone summer rambles in his happier days, with ovcry spot in this charming valley, and he had no difficulty in securing a humble cottage, alike adapted to tho poverty of their exchequer, and to tho limited nature of their needs The joy of the happy vale entered even into the heart of Nurse, and beforo a mouth was past they had commenced a new life, on which no heavy shadows fell. Mr. lioslyn was now well and strong ; Minnie had grown more thoughtful, indeed ; but she and Ponto romped once moro, es they had never done since she #as a mure girl. •Papa, dear,' she said, as they walked one August evening in their little garden ' I am glad we came herei for we havo begun life again, mingliug our own work with every enjoyment ; for these flowers seem moro beautiful than any we had at Ackland'— and she kissed him tenderly. ' Yes, Minnio, it is very jolly indeed ; evon old Ponto is livclior, and I rmlly believe we shall all bo better and happier ,

here ' be replied, bis thoughtful, sad look showing that he had reasons of his own. ' I should like now to i,et some of poor Ned's effects,' Mr. Eoslyn added ; I sent our present address to one person only— to the owner of Ned's ship ; and I have requested him to send here anything which may possibly be recovered. It is not likely nowt however,' he added, somewhat had discovered how largely active exercise conduces to a cheerful spirit; and on the faintest approach of melancholy she invariably rushed away to some new duty, or to ace that Ponto f playfulness was not leading him into mischief Her natural freshneis of colour returned, and when the weather permitted she was constant in her attention to the garden pets, every shoot of "which was watrhpd from day to day, until each plant, each flower, was interwoven with her own heart-life. She was buiy one bright morning m September, her long hair blown hither and thither as sho trimmed off tho rambling sl-ooti of some trailing clematis Poiito, too was busy, catching the falling twigs as they dropped from her beautiful hand, which was protected by a strong glove. 'You are behaving very well sir,' she said to Ponto, who by a sort of instinct, placed his large feet only in the prints which Minnie's feet made as she reached, now hore, now there, tho straggling branches. ' Catch that ! throwing her clove ; ' Hold it, sir, hold it !' Mr. Roslyn was in the cottage, resting after his morning walk. Nurse was busy with her domestic duties. 'Is this Mr. Koslyn's?' shouted a gruff voice to Minnie, Ponto bounding away to the little gate, after unceremoniously throwing down the glove. ' Come here, sir !' called Minnie, emphatically ; but Ponto remained close to the gate, prepared to resist any intrusion Minnie walked leisurely in the direction from whence the sound of the voice proceeded, and at once met a strong-built, sun-burnt man, whose bluff, generous manner proclaimed him to be an English sailor. •Is this Mr Roslyn's ?' he repeated, eyeing Minnie half-cunously as he spoke. ' You have heard news of my brother?' she askf»d, earnestly, Ponto keeping close to Minnie and watching eagerly. The sailor was evidently amused, and eyed her from head to foot in a curious fashion, but without replying A few moments later he wai in danger from Ponto, for tho sailor had taken Minnie in his arms, kissing her atain and agiin, and losing the slcevo of his jacket as the price of his brotherly assault. Mr Roslin and nurso came to see what all the commotion meant ; and, after one half-uttered, half-choking, 'It's Ned!' from Minnie, all were speechless. Tears of joy flowed freely from all, Ned's sunburnt cheeks being deeply streaked with the uncontrollable flood. Minnie first recovered her self-command, and commenced to reprimand Ponto for being so stupid as not to know Ned, forgetting her own shortcomings. The torn sleeve was playfully hung upon too dogs kennel, with serious injunctions to ' mind better for tho future,' and helpless surprise now gavo place to inexpressable thankfulness on the part of all. 'Come, Minnie, I'm hungry,' Ned said, half seriously ; * I should like to try some Bracken Dale beef.' In an instant she was up, and would have been away making preparations, had not mischievous Ned caught her in his arms, stroking her long hair with affectionate tenderness. This little brotherly attention broke Minnie down, and she burst into tears. Our readers will doubtless understand this outburst better than either Mr Roslin, Ned, or nurse. Minnie tore her self away, and remained some time in her own room.

Chapter VI. ' Blessed through love are the gods:— through love Their bliss to ourselves is given : Haavsnher through lova is the heaven above, And love makes the earth a heaven.' Schiller. 1 What must have been the beauties of Bracken Dale with restored health to the Roslyns, ith dear old nurse happier than ever, and withjovial, rollicking, kindhearted Ned, now brought, as from the dead, to cheer the poor but more contented family ? I Endless yarns were spun from morning to ' noon and from noon to night ; the purpling tints of the leaves on the hills were made constant objects of study; Ponto was taught by Ned such tricks as no other dog could be expected to learn; Mr. Eoslyn became vigorous and almost young again ; and Ned declared, as he caught Minnio in his arms one afternoon, that she got more beautiful every day. But why did she always burst into tears when he suddenly seiztl her to prevent her running away ? ' You are a foolish little minx, Minnie, Ido declare. Why can't a brother kiss you without setting you crying ?' and he always insistid upon an extra kiss by way of punishment. The close of summer brought increasing joy and contentment to the dwellers m Violet Cottage; for their poverty led them to seek rather to help the poor than to court the rich. The poorest dwellers in Bracken Dole had reason to bless their coming, and the joyful birds of summer found, as autumn drew on, cons'.aat friends in the Eoslyns, The story of Ned's oscapo from the sinking ship was told and told again—how ho clung to a spar and drifted about for three days in a tempestuous sea ; how, sick and faint, his heart was sinking within him when a vessel hove in sight ; how we was picked up, warmed, and fed, and on reaching land presented himself without delay to the owners ; how he determined upon going at once to Bracken Dale without previous announcement, that he might the more perfectly satisfy himself as to the real circumstances ot his father and sister. Thus happily sped the sunny days of summer, and the tender, lingering lights and shadows of autumn ; a-id thus too, contentedly, sweetly and joyously, Ned iioslyn and Minnie watched the glowing tints of Octobor deepen, until fierce November winds drovo them lustliog through the villey ; and their place was taken by the tender, loving snow flakes which," hko heavenly foliage hung on the woods of the hill-side as December drew near. As Christmas approached Minnie seemed more and more determined to drivo aw»y mchne'ioly by incessant activity. She trudged through the frozen snow to every

cottage in wbich an invalid, old or young needed consolation or help. The birds were more carefully tended than ever and even Ponto — the strong, frolicsome Ponto — wts sobered and toned down into a very sedate dog, who could be trusted to carry homely dainties for his mistress even in the darkest nights. And thus, on all hands, the increased blessedness of making others happy was thoirs in rich abundance. At last came Christmas Eve ; and Minnie longed to tell Ned all about another Christmas Eve, the last they had spent at Acklaad. She told him something, it 1$ true ; but only very little. How a year ago her father lay at the point of death ; how Dr. Orvin chose to reprimand her for waiting her labour on what he had cruelly insinuated was a most hopeless case, a dying man ; how she had vexed him by her resentment of the cruel remark ; and how, in u fit of temper.be had handod over the care of his pacient to Mr. Poulter — all this was repeated to Ned, whose ardent soul expressed a desire to settle matten personally with Orvin. Minnie, however, carefully concealed from her brother Orvin's profession of love, and her own engagement to Poulter. It is true that Ned's ready wit and his own admiration for Minnie led him to tease hit sister in a half comic, hal ■erious vein ; for clamping her to his honest heart, he declared that 'one or both of the fellows were no doubt in love with you, Minnie ; and no wonder that one became spiteful and acted the rogue ; and the other, being a fool, hardly knew what to make of these mysterious eyes ;' and he generally closed his harangue upon the subject by regretting that Minnie was related to him, in order that he might have the pleasure of taking her honest heart by storm. Minnie was, as might be expected, too serious to joke about such matters ; and every reference to Poulter went to her very heart. She constantly feared lost her father had revealed the lecret. The bells of the old church of Bracken Dale rang out merrily as the clock was striking ten on Christmas Ere, and Minnie, who had her own views upon the subject of Waits, at once said, ' Good Night !' to Ned, leaving the hospitable reception of the singers to him and Ponto, for Mr. Hoslyn had retired to rest. At length the rustic voices were heard in front of the cottage, and Ponto, howling a hideous welcome, they were ushered into the cosy kitchen, where suitable refreshments wero served without stint. Minnie meanwhile, with a trembling heart, listened from the seclusion of her own bedroom, and secretly and sadly wondered what bad become of her old friends at Ackland. At midnight one more carol was sung in the garden, and tho singers departed. Ned wandered round the village with the waits, enjoying the crisp keen air, and on his return wai surprised to find Ponto in a grrat rage, and rousing the whole neighbourhood with his loud barking. 1 Down, Ponto, down i;the music has upset your temper !' Ned remonstrated ; but as the dog still showed signs of uneasineis, Ned, suspecting strangers were about with no good intent, stepped indoors and quickly refurnel with an old flintlock pistol which he had purchased at a sale in the village The fre«h breeze] had quickened his perceptions, and he still fancied he heard footsteps. After loading the pistol he proceeded to make himself comfortable in an outhouse which commanded a good view of the garden path ; he soon visited the kitchen again, however, and quickly returned with a bottle ot whiskey, from which only a small portion had been used, and once more settled down to tho chilly talk of watching for burglars. A few minutes later and Minnie heard the tramp of heavy feet, but supposed it was Ned, as Ponto gave no sign of fresh alarm ; and very quickly Ponto, Minnie. and eve,n the valiant Ned, were all in sound slumber.

Chapter VII. • 1 know the worth within the ho»rfc which sighs, Yefc shnni, the modest sorrow to declare ; And what rnde fortune niggardly denies, Unto the noble shall my lore repair.' — Scbillar. The birds were early astir around ViolotCottage on the morningofCbrisfmas Day, and the bolls rang out merrily ai Minnie'i eyes fell upon the frosted window panes. Her thoughts went baok, involuntarily* to Ackland ; and she recalled thoso strains which a year ago sounded so hollow and meaningless, now so beautiful, ■o truo. She knew at length what peace was, and, in honest poverty, had found a contentment to which, in affluence, she bad been n stranger. And love, too, she understood better now, and realised more fully its unselfish character. Her heart, however, still yearned for sotno Information about Mr. PouUor i and, though aha had herself insisted on a separation, yet as she had sought, in (hit, his benefit, rather than her own, the noble self srerifico had strengthened her Jove j and at this moment she felt more truly hjs than ercr. But while Minnie was meditating in bed, Nurse was up and about ( and what was her surprise to be mot at the door by Pooto, who was moaning piteouslj. Seizing her dress he led her to the outhouse, in which lay, in the dim mist, tbo form of a human being, Nurse otarted with affright ; but in an instant STed(for it was he) raised himself, and stretched out his hand as if to reach something. ' Why, bless my heart, Mr. Ned, you'll be frozen to death I What hare you been doing htrtall night?' asked Ifurse. 'patching for burglars,' he replied with a grjn ; I was just going to shoot you for one; but that confounded dog has eaten the pistol, and——,- added Ned. There was soon a great commotion, and Minnie, h#r face radiant with morning gW. Preicribtd ail sorts ofremedies suited to Ned's case. He was greatly amused, but he ) cnreufully abstained from informing anyone ' what Ponto had aat»n b^des the pistol, i Many a joke was eraoked, and Bonto | was quizzed curiously by both Minnio and Ned ; but he was too judicious s> dog ', to divulge any secrets j All were seated to their Chrismas din- , ncr when a step was heard, and Ponto's tail moved in a frendly fashon. ' Who can it be ?' was asked by each in turn. After a few moments a sharp r,ap announced a visitor, and l?onto, who, like a /aithful guard, marched at onco io the door, was soon bounding in frantic delight upon, sn oli friend, who stood looking

with aomcgleeupontheastonishment visible in every face. Poor Minnie yielded half timidly to Poulter's embrace, while Ned looked on like one prepared to avenge nn insult. For some moments no words wero uttered, but sobd and sighs were struggling with words for utterance. Mr. Poulter eyed Ned curiously, and looked appealingly to Minnie for an explanation. The relationship, however, was soon explained, and Poulter, without further delay, took his seat beside Minnie. A rippling smile played upon Ins broa-1 joviil face ; and as soon as Mr. Roslyn, after a good deal of delay and much excitement, bad served him to a liberal helping of roast goose, ' Poulter gravely drew from his pockets a huge pistol and a bottle partly filled with whisky. A roar of laughter followed at Ned's expense, and Ponto's character tfas vindicated. It was a joyful meeting, too happy for many words ! After dinner Poulter told the story o£dns visit the previous night, ami how liftTVad found Ned fast asleep, with Ponto for a protector. He also related how Ponto had aided him in currying off the prizes from a supposed night watch, for Poulter and Ned had never before met. His discovery of the whereabouts of the Koslyns through the shipowners was nest related, and the narrative very speedily turned upon matters more personal. 'I am now,' lie said to Minnie, a rich man, and you surely cannot refuse me on that account.' Her old objection was clearly set aside, as Poulter declared he could well afford to marry a penniless bride. Still Minnie looked eagerly at Ned's grave face, and prettily waited for further arguments. 'My practice has largely increased, ' Poulter added, and a rich relative has left me a large fortune over which I have complete control.' Still Minnie was not convinced, though she was becoming very serious indeed. Poulter continued—' Orvin is dead, and I have purchased the Grange from his family, in the hope that you would' — and, with big tears in his eyes, ho looked at Minnie for her final answer. •It soon came :— ' Will 1 (and she fondly took his hand), ' I cannot row leave Papa, who has been so wonderfully restored to us, though I believe it is largely due to your skill ;' and she w^pfc bitterly from the violent conflict of feelings going on in her bosom- * I really think, Minnie, that is tho very reason why I could almost claim you by right,' ho said ; 'and I have a story to teJl which will, most assuredly, make my plea irresistible.' ' Bravo, Pouller !' exclaimed Ned ; ' that is something like taking the town by ttorm. J3ut if this next argument fail?, I think you ouc;ht in hono»r, to say ' Good -bye' (after awhile, of course), and leave Minnie to bless us yet with, her sunshine.' 1 All right, Master Nod,' Poulter went on ,• 'I think even you will bo convinced when my story is told.' Mr. Poulter then proceeded to tell how Orvin'a prescrip1 tions, owing to his drinking htbits, had become of late years more and more absurd, and how, in Mr. JJoslyn's case. Orrin's excitement and nervousness were iso great that Ins instructions, properly sarried out, must have added at once to the complication incident to tho discasn itself, and the patient's life inevitably placed in new peril by tho very treatment which was designed to cure him At this point in the narrative poor Minm>, her bosota heaving with|agitation, hurried from the room and let loose her feeU ings in a flood of tear.', Ned'a eyes flashed angrily at the thought of tho jeopardy in which his father's life bad been placed, and an *ngry expression burst from him almost unconsciously, as bis hand seized mechanically the old pistol which still lay od a small stand at his right hand. Mr Koslin and nurse remained silent and wrapped in, their own reflections. 4 Why didn't you blow out tho fellow's brains, Poulter?' Ned yelled ouk vebemently. ' The truth is,' replied Jtoultor, • I knew that the blunders arose from Orvin's drinking habits, and I simply used my own judgement. 1 Poulter then went on to describe how an old uncle, who had never been heard of before, had retnrned from India, and, with a yearning for his kith and k}n, had found his way to Ackland and made Poulter his heir. IV.g sudden chance in his circumstances determined Poul'er fo find out their whereabonts, explain the wholp affair, aD i claim Minnie as a right. ' Have I made out my right, Master Ned ?' Poulter demanded emphatically. Wed, who had been now for some time standing in nn excited manner in, th,©. middle of the room, was frantic under the combined influoncesof rageond admiration. •You are a duced good fellow, Poulter! i give me your hand ;' and he bugged, ! .poulter with the eleganpo and earnestness ' of a brown bear. 'I'll settle Mm* now i myself,' Ned shouted, rushing out of the room and assailing her bedroom door violently She no sooner admitted him than he clasped h,er in his Vawi^y «*ms., and oarrylng her triumphantly downstnjrs, handed to Boulter, big tears, rolling d<wn. his cheeks. .Poulter toqk care the did hot again escape j but Minnie's heart was nearly bursting, Poultor's jocose reference to the • affection for which he had often treated her,' brought as usual a flood of tears Ned, however, declared that she should not again |e.<iye tlje y,oqm.' until I'oulter had ropieved promise of the only recompense he asked. But matters wera loon sottled. Three months later, tho bells of Bracken Dalo were ringing merrily, and Minnie was onco more the happy &ad beloved mistress of the * Grange at Ackland;* Mr. Roslyn, Ned, and nurse preferring to remain in the little cottage among the fern clad dales, amid which new life, new pcaee, and now.omentmpnt had found th,em in their pqxerty. Christmas live and Christmas Diy, however, are spent each year with Mr. and Mrs. Poulter at the Grange, which Ponto stfll gijardj in his old aae.

Afr» AfcGill s { in the parliqr talking to the roiojator. * VYbat; Ido lovo/said ib,a «i$ to ■co the Qhijdron eojoy theauelv W / And yot when, » mouunt afttr, • orioksk b»U o»me •Inglng into tho room, •otttering the remnai of » twenty -five ■hiihngglns, do you guppoio ■he leaned out of the window »nd cried, ' Here'* your b»H, darling, nerer ojind [h't qld rUss.' Wot raijoh j -Sis a«il e d out of the front door lilt* • cyclone, and banged the head of the boy who owaed the ball against tha radroai uutil he ihjuyht tint the yueun'» Birthday bad arrived two mouths ahead ol time,