le, which I've tried to follow ever since, he never
would have thought of looking at me, much less loving me, and believing
I should be a fit mother for little Gracie here," and she looked down
affectionately at the child, who was clinging fondly to her. "He is a
minister, Gertrude, and very good. Only think of such a childish
creature as I am being a minister's wife!" The sympathy which Kitty came
to claim was not denied her, and Gertrude, with her own eyes brimming
with tears, assured her of her participation in her joy.

In the meantime little Gracie, who still clung to Kitty with one hand,
had gently inserted the other within that of Gertrude, who, looking down
upon her for the first time, recognized the child whom she had rescued
from persecution in the drawing-room at Saratoga.

Kitty was charmed with the coincidence, and Gertrude, as she remarked
the happy transformation which had already been effected in the
countenance and dress of the little girl, who had been so sadly in want
of female superintendence, felt an added conviction of the wisdom of the
young clergyman's choice.

Mr. Graham's cheerful parlour had never looked so cheerful as on that
evening. The weather was mild, but a light fire, which had been kindled
on Mr. Clinton's account, did not render the room too warm. It had,
however, driven the young people into a remote corner, leaving the
neighbourhood of the fire-place to Mrs. Graham and Emily, who occupied
the sofa, and Mr. Clinton and Mr. Graham, whose arm-chairs were placed
on the opposite side.

This arrangement enabled Mr. Graham to converse freely and
uninterruptedly with his guest upon some grave topic of interest, while
his talkative wife entertained herself and Emily by a recapitulation of
her travels and adventures. On a table, at the further extremity of the
room, was placed a huge portfolio of beautiful engravings, recently
purchased and brought home by Mr. Graham, and representing a series of
European views. Gertrude and Kitty were turning them carefully over; and
little Gracie, who was sitting in Kitty's lap, and Fanny, who was
leaning over Gertrude's shoulder, were listening eagerly to the young
ladies' explanations and comments.

Occasionally Isabel, the only restless or unoccupied person present,
would lean over the table to glance at the likeness of some familiar
spot, and exclaim, "Kitty, there's the shop where I bought my blue
silk!" or, "Kitty, there's the waterfall that we v