ng the little witch could be trusted to keep out
of fire and water.

After dinner, as they were returning to the parlor, Uncle Augustus said
to his wife,--

"Between us, Margery, I don't believe you'd dare invite that little
will-o'-the-wisp here again without her mother."

"Never," returned auntie, laughing,--

"'Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun.'"

They all sat chatting around the parlor fire,--Uncle Augustus always
would have an open fire,--when Dotty slipped out unobserved, and went
round the house hunting for the lost rings. She went first to auntie's
chamber, and looked in the blue pocket; but it was empty. The wardrobe
and closet had been restored to perfect order, and the jewel cabinet was
not to be seen. Then she went slowly along to the housekeeper's room,
and knocked, with her heart in her mouth.

"How do you do, Mrs. Fixfax? Isn't it nice to get that old stove out? I
thought you'd let me come in and look to see if I've--I've left
anything."

"Certainly, dear. What have you lost?" Mrs. Fixfax went on with her
reading, and did not seem to hear Dotty's muttered answer about "running
round so when Fly was sick. Didn't know but she'd put--wasn't
sure.--Guessed not."

"Why, you see," said Dotty, to herself, as she left the room with
downcast eyes, "it's no use to hunt there. Cupboard's gone, stove's
gone. Nothing in the bathroom but soap and towels. I believe auntie's
cat has swallowed those rings."

She went back to Mrs. Allen's room, turned the gas higher, and looked
mournfully at herself in the glass.

"Shall I tell her the truth, that they're gone, and I lost them? Would
my dear Aunt Madge go and take all father's money away? Mother says we
must do what is right, and God will take care of the rest."

Just then Fly entered, followed by Mrs. Allen.

"You here, Dotty? I see my chamber is in excellent order. Let me look at
the drawers. What? My jewel cabinet? Didn't I lock that in the safe? All
right, no doubt, but I'll examine it."

She wheeled up a little easy-chair, sat down, and poured the jewels into
her lap. What were Dotty's feelings as she stood there looking on? The
gas-light seemed to turn the glittering diamonds into points of flame;
but Dotty could not help gazing.

Why, what was that? Did her eyes deceive her? That ring with glass
raspberry seeds! And, O, was it possible? The one like a drop of blood
with ice frozen over it! Both there.

S