which had brought about much of the old lady's
harshness; and now that they were more gentle and considerate, they
found her a dear, kind friend, who had pleasant stories to tell, of days
gone by; and with her Hatty had many sweet talks of the loving Saviour,
whom they were both striving to serve.

IX.

When Marcus came home from school on Monday afternoon, Hatty was in the
garden, picking a bouquet to put in Aunt Barbara's room. He stepped
quietly behind her and put his hands round her waist, before she heard
him coming.

She looked round, expecting to see his face full of fun; but it was very
sober,--and he said, quietly,

"I have lost the prize, Hatty!"

"Did you miss a lesson to-day!" said Hatty, eagerly.

"I have not made a mistake this term, and I don't mean to, if I can help
it," said Marcus, rather proudly.

"Not a mark for misconduct?" said Hatty, anxiously.

"A mark for tardiness stands against my name. I have told Mr. Briggs."

Hatty turned towards her brother, and kissed him tenderly. He did not
push her away, but, putting his arm round her waist, he walked a few
moments along the path in silence; then he said, "I have had a talk with
Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never forget. I thank you, Hatty, for
being a true sister to me."

Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and ran into the house before she
could speak a word in reply.

Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but her thoughts were not on her
bouquet, but on her brother. In her heart she thanked God for prompting
him to take this first right step, and earnestly she prayed that he
might go steadily forward in the path that leadeth unto life.

X.

The weeks flew by, and Aunt Barbara was able first to take a short
drive, and then to be in the air hour after hour.

One Saturday Mr. Lee pushed back his chair, after dinner, and looking
pleasantly round on his children, said, "What do you all say to a visit
to Mr. Sparrow's peach orchard to-day?"

The young faces flushed back a glad response, and every little voice was
raised in a joyous welcome to the proposal.

"Aunt Barbara must go, too," said Meg, giving the old lady a protective
look, which, although it was quite absurd, sprang from real kindness.

"Yes, Aunt Barbara must go, of course," said Mr. Lee, smiling.

"And Hatty, Hatty so dood," put in Harry, as he laid his plump hand
caressingly on Hatty's white arm.

"Yes, every one must go, if the carriage is as full