ot going to pick a crow on my own,' said Charles. 'Oh! is luncheon
ready; and you all going? I never see anybody now. I want the story of
the shipwreck, though, of course, Ben What's-his-name was the hero, and
Sir Guy Morville not a bit of it.'

Laura wanted to walk to East Hill, and the other young people agreed to
go thither, too.

'It will be nice to go to church there to-day' said Amy, in a
half-whisper, heard only by Guy, and answered by a look that showed how
well he understood and sympathized.

'Another thing,' said Amy, colouring a good deal; 'shall you mind my
telling Mary? I behaved so oddly last night, and she was so kind to me
that I think I ought.'

Mary had seen enough last night to be very curious to-day, though hardly
expecting her curiosity to be gratified. However, as she was putting on
her bonnet for church, she looked out of her window, and saw the four
coming across the fields from Hollywell. Guy and Amy did not walk into
the village arm-in-arm; but, as they came under the church porch, Guy,
unseen by all held out his hand, sought hers, and, for one moment,
pressed it fervently. Amy knew he felt this like their betrothal.

After the service, they stood talking with Mr. Ross and Mary, for some
little time. Amy held apart, and Mary saw how it was. As they were about
to turn homewards, Amy said quickly, 'Come and walk a little way home
with me.'

She went on with Mary before the rest, and when out of sight of them
all, said, 'Mary!' and then stopped short.

'I guess something, Amy,' said Mary.

'Don't tell any one but Mr. Ross.'

'Then I have guessed right. My dear little Amy, I am very glad! So that
was the reason you flew out of the room last evening, and looked so
bright and glowing!'

'It was so good of you to ask no questions!'

'I don't think I need ask any now, Amy; for I see in your face how right
and happy it all is.'

'I can't tell you all, Mary, but I must one thing,--that the whole
terrible story arose from his helping a person in distress. I like you
to know that.'

'Papa was always sure that he had not been to blame,' said Mary.

'Yes; so Charlie told me, and that is the reason I wanted you to know.'

'Then, Amy, something of this had begun last summer?'

'Yes; but not as it is now. I did not half know what it was then.'

'Poor dear little Amy,' said Mary; 'what a very sad winter it must have
been for you!'

'Oh, very!' said Amy; 'but it was worse for him, because h