When Susan went down stairs she told her fellow-servants that she thought Miss Margaret much too good for that house, and that it was a pity she had ever come into it. With Margaret the day passed quickly away; there was so much to hear, and so many things to see, that she thought she should never come to the end of them ; yet amidst all, true to her promise of never forgetting her aunt Ellen, her thoughts many times wandered back to the Thatched. Cottage, and in her heart was a fond, half regretful recollection of the happiness she had left behind her there. When bed-time came, Ada was dreadfully sleepy, she having, on the strength of its being Margaret's first day at home, petitioned to be allowed to sit up an hour later than usual. Margaret was tired too, but as soon as they were undressed, she threw her dressing gown around her, and taking out her Bible, sat down and began to read.

"What are you about, Margaret," said Ada; "why do you not get into bed? I want to go to sleep."

"I am only reading a little, Ada dear,” replied Margaret, "I shall not disturb you if you go to sleep."

"But I cannot go to sleep while the light's burning," said Ada, pettishly; "and you cannot want to read to-night; there will be plenty of time to-morrow."

"There, Miss Ada, you cannot see the light now, if I draw the curtain," said Susan; "so go to sleep like a good girl.”

But Ada kept on talking and grumbling, so that at last Margaret was obliged to close her book and put it back in the drawer. She then went up to Ada's bed to wish her good night. "Susan can put the light out now, Ada," said she, "but please do not talk to me for a little while, dear; I am going to say my prayers."

Ada's sleepiness alone prevented her noncompliance with this request, and Margaret, her thoughts in a complete whirl, and her heart full of new and strange feelings, knelt down to pray. After a while her ideas became more collected, and she prayed earnestly that God would bless all who

were dear to her, her father and mother, her dear sister Ada, and last, but not least, her beloved aunt Ellen. She prayed for herself too, that she might be enabled, by the Holy Spirit's help, to put all her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, to love God and to keep his commandments, that she might be watered with the dew of his grace while here on earth, and finally received, through the merits of her Saviour, into the everlasting kingdom which he has prepared for those who love him.

When she rose from her knees, Susan, who was still in the room, whispered, "It takes you longer than your sister to say your prayers, Miss Margaret."

"Yes," said Margaret; "because you know, Susan, I have so many things to ask for; but I don't the least mind being in the dark another night, if it keeps you too long, Susan."

"No, Miss Margaret, I would not mind waiting twice as long for you," she replied, as she helped her into bed. "I would not have put the candle out, only I knew

Miss Ada would go grumbling to your mamma."

"Thank you, Susan," said Margaret, "I am very much obliged to you for being so kind to me; you have tucked me up just as aunt Ellen used; she always came to kiss me every night after I was in bed." And two or three tears dropped on Margaret's pillow as she thought how long it might be before she should see that dear face bending over her again.

CHAPTER IV.

THE sabbath had indeed ever been "The Pearl of Days" in the Thatched Cottage. Margaret had generally been accustomed to accompany her aunt immediately after their early breakfast to the Sunday school, where she stood by her side as she taught her class. They then went to church.

In the afternoon it was always Mrs. Shirley's practice to assemble around her as many as chose to come, and the number was frequently not small, of the children of the little farmers, and others in the village, who considered themselves just a grade too high to attend the parochial school. With these she read the Bible, explaining the more difficult parts, and encouraging them to its study, by many little plans of her own. Sometimes Margaret joined this class,