hrough the other. Elizabeth felt not
changed at all; no better, and no tenderer; but she laid hold
of those words as one who has but uncertain footing puts his
arms round a strong tree, -- she clung as one clings there; and
clasped them with assurance of life. Ask? -- did she not ask,
with tears that streamed now; she knocked, clasping that
stronghold with more glad and sure clasp; she knew then that
everything would be 'made plain' in the rough places of her
heart.

She did not sit still long then for meditation or to rest; her
mood was action. She took her bible from the moss, and with a
strong beating sense both of the hopeful and of the forlorn in
her condition, she walked slowly through the grass to the
steps of her house door. As she mounted them a new thought
suddenly struck her, and instead of turning to the right she
turned to the left.

"Mrs. Nettley," said Elizabeth as she entered the sitting-
room, "isn't it very inconvenient for you to be staying here
with me?"

Good Mrs. Nettley was sitting quietly at her work, and looked
up at this quite startled.

"Isn't it inconvenient for you?" Elizabeth repeated.

"Miss Haye! -- it isn't inconvenient; -- I am very glad to do it
-- if I can be of any service --"

"It is very kind of you, and very pleasant to me; but aren't
you wanted at home?"

"I don't think I am wanted, Miss Haye, -- at least I am sure my
brother is very glad to have me do anything for Mr. Landholm,
or for you, I am sure; -- if I can."

Elizabeth's eye flashed; but then in an instant she called
herself a fool, and in the same breath wondered why it should
be, that Winthrop's benevolence must put him in the way of
giving her so much pain.

"Who fills your place at home, while you are taking care of me
here, Mrs. Nettley?"

"I don't suppose any of 'em can just do that," said the good
lady with a little bit of a laugh at the idea.

"Well, is there any one to take care of your house and your
brother?"

"Mr. Landholm -- he said he'd see to it."

"Mr. Landholm! --"

"He promised he'd take care of George and the house as well. --
I dare say they don't manage much amiss."

"But who takes care of Mr. Landholm?"

"Nobody does, if he don't himself," said Mrs. Nettley with a
shake of her head. "He don't give that pleasure to any other
living person."

"Not when you are at home?"

"It makes no difference, Miss Haye," said Mrs. Nettley going
on with her sewing. "He never will. He neve