smate. Mary showed them her father's house,
beautifully situated on the opposite sloping bank of the river, which,
with its shady trees and white gate, reminded her a good deal of her
own old home, though the house was larger and handsomer. Dr. Eastwood,
who was with his daughter, looked at little Amy with a good deal of
interest, asking a number of questions, while he held her delicate
hand in his, and watched her fair, pale face with his keen eye. He and
Mary walked back with them to Mrs. Browne's cottage, promising to come
and see them soon, and inviting them to visit Mary.

This unexpected rencontre greatly added to Lucy's enjoyment of her
stay at Oakvale. The cousins very soon had the pleasure of spending an
afternoon in Dr. Eastwood's family,--a Christian household after
Lucy's own heart. Now that the first stiffness of their
school-relations had been brushed off by the surprise of their
meeting, the two girls found each other delightful companions, and
soon became fast friends. It was the first time Lucy had ever found a
congenial companion of her own sex, and their friendship afforded a
new and ever-increasing delight. They saw each other every day, and
often spent the long summer mornings, alike pleasantly and profitably,
in reading aloud by turns, from some interesting and improving book
out of Dr. Eastwood's excellent library. Mrs. Eastwood often sat by,
also enjoying the reading, and, by her judicious remarks, directing
the minds of her young companions to profitable thought. The book
selected was often a religious one, such as some people would have
considered only fit for Sundays; but it was not the less interesting
to them on that account, and gave rise to some of their happiest
discussions, when each perceived, with delight, how thoroughly the
other could appreciate and reciprocate her own deepest feelings.
Little Amy would listen attentively at such times, showing by her
interest that she comprehended more of what was said than could have
been expected. But whenever Mrs. Eastwood thought the conversation
beyond her depth, or her mind too much excited, she would send her
away to play with her own younger children, who were always glad to
place all their toys at her disposal, and do all in their power for
her amusement.

At Dr. Eastwood's the readings generally went on under a spreading
walnut-tree on the lawn, and Amy would roam at large with the
children, or come and rest within hearing, just as she l