her brow. Lubin congratulated her with frank kindness, and even Matty
felt that she had no right to complain. The reflection, however, passed
through the mind of the girl, "All this honour and pleasure might have
been mine, had I never listened to Folly!"

And now Mr. Learning came forward, and stood in the centre of the
circle, leaning one hand on the arm-chair of Dick, while with the other
he motioned for silence. It was clear, from his preparatory cough, that
the sage was going to make a speech.

"My friends," he began, in his distinct, solemn tone, glancing benignly
around, "we are all met together on a happy occasion. We see merit
rewarded with success, and patient obedience to Duty achieving more than
talent or genius. Before we proceed to the banquet to which our fair
friends have invited us, let me mention before all my intentions in
regard to the future year. When twelve months have run their course I
will again return to this place, again look for a kindly welcome, again
examine the cottages here. If I find that Dick has made up for the
past--that Matty, giving up all connection with Folly, has furnished
wisely and well--that Lubin, by steady perseverance, has made all forget
that the word DUNCE was ever inscribed on his wall--not only one, but
all and each of my young friends shall receive a crown of Success."

"Hurrah! hurrah!" shouted Lubin, who had just been forming a number of
good resolutions. A smile of pleasure lit up the pale features of Dick;
and Matty, in expectation, already felt the silver crown on her head.

"And now," said graceful Duty, "let Mr. Learning conduct our Nelly to
the feast prepared, as she is Queen of the day."

Even Dick, as if gaining fresh strength from the sight of the pleasant
company around him, was able, leaning on his mother, to join the
cheerful circle that on that beautiful autumnal day gathered around the
board. Conversation flowed freely, nothing painful was recalled, no one
whispered about Pride, no one mentioned Miss Folly. Brightly sparkled
the beverage of Hope, foaming and bubbling in the glass; and every one
who has tasted it knows what a delicious beverage it is. The stores of
Amusement had been half emptied to furnish sweetmeats and cakes for the
table; and Affection had provided a large quantity of the dried fruits
of sweet Recollections. Merry were the smiles that were exchanged; merry
the jests that were made; merriest of all the loud song of Content, as