pied a considerable time,
Mr. Kimberly saying a few words to each youthful prize-taker, as the
various articles were handed to him or her by Mrs. Cameron.

After that there were games for the children, into which many of the
older people entered with great spirit and enjoyment, and as an
appropriate climax the service of strawberries and cream.

When it had been disposed of the company relapsed into silence and a
sort of expectant hush fell upon it which it was difficult to account
for, until one of the miners rose to make a speech.

He floundered about a good deal, and didn't exactly know what to say,
and at length, in a sort of desperation, determined to forego the
pleasure of indulging in a harangue, and went straight to the root of
the business by producing from his pocket two small boxes, and presented
them in the name of the Hollowmell miners to Miss Mabel Chartres and
Miss Minnie Kimberly, as a mark of their respect and gratitude.

These, when opened, were found to contain each an exquisite coral and
gold necklet, which had been bought by the miners themselves, who, of
their own accord, had subscribed the money for their purchase.

The two girls were completely overcome, to such an extent, indeed, that
they could scarcely collect their ideas sufficiently to beg Mr. Kimberly
to thank the donors for them, which duty he performed, however, very
happily--promising for them, at the instigation of Charlie, that they
would wear the gifts, so gracefully and unexpectedly bestowed upon them,
incessantly, and would ever have the pleasantest associations connected
with them.

Soon after their guests departed, and the Kimberlys went home.

Archie, Ned, and Minnie were in the parlour discussing the events of
the day, and regaling each other with their respective experiences as
they were in the habit of doing.

"I am sure there is something serious the matter with Mabel," said
Archie, suddenly, "did you not notice something strange about her
to-day?"

"She was very tired, you know how little is sufficient to tire her, and
the excitement was too much for her," said Minnie.

"I don't think that was all," returned Archie, then suddenly abandoning
the subject he inquired where Charlie might be.

"He's with papa in the study," replied Minnie. "I saw him go in a few
minutes ago."

"Then I think I'll go and find Seymour. I want somebody to talk to, and
Ned looks too lazy even to wink."

"Seymour isn't back yet," drawle