rough the house, "They've come! they've come! and Agnes is
with them!"

A bright, cheerful wood fire was burning in the pleasant, great
breakfast room, and the party who had just arrived were soon surrounded
by smiles of welcome, while busy little fingers were assisting them to
untie their bonnets, and unfasten their cloaks. In a few moments the
door opened, and a pale, but lovely looking girl, in deep mourning,
entered the room. She was a niece of Mr. Wharton's, and, having lately
been left an orphan, by the death of her mother, she had been brought by
her kind uncle, to his hospitable home, where she was received by all as
a member, henceforth, of their family.

"Well, aunty," said she, after stooping to kiss Agnes, "you are back
sooner than I expected."

"Yes, dear, I was obliged to hurry; little Lewie is very ill, I fear. By
the way, Harry, run and tell Matthew that just as soon as he is warm, he
must drive as fast as possible to the village, and ask Dr. Rodney to
get directly into the sleigh, to go to your Aunt Elwyn's; and tell him
to call for me, as he comes back."

"Why, mamma, are you going back there again?" asked Effie.

"Yes, love, I must go back, and remain with your Aunt Harriet to-day. I
only came home to make some arrangements for the family. I want your
papa to drive over for me to-night, after the little ones are all in
bed; and I desire the rest of you to keep out of my way till I have
changed my dress. I do not know yet what is the matter with Lewie. How
do you feel, Emily?"

"Much better, thank you, aunty; I am quite prepared to play lady of the
house in your absence."

"Well, do put aside those books, dear: your health is the most important
thing now. I wish I could leave you so busy with household concerns as
to give you not a moment's time for reading."

"Dear aunty, I do not think the books hurt me; and you certainly would
not have me grow up a dunce, would you?"

"No fear of that, dear; and I by no means wish you to give up your books
altogether, but only to lay them aside till you get a little color in
these pale cheeks. I shall lay my commands on your uncle not to give you
any more assistance in your studies till I give him permission."

"Well, I'll be very good, aunty, and I've promised the boys to take a
run with them over to the pond, and see them skate; and besides, we are
all invited to an entertainment in a certain snow palace, which is
nearly finished, and which I have prom