e was something very unlike Effie's usual cheerfulness in her
way of speaking. Christie could plainly see that. But she mistook the
cause.

"Effie," she said, after a little pause, "it winna be very pleasant to
think that we are depending on Aunt Elsie. I dinna wonder that you
sigh."

"Whisht, Christie! It's not that, child. I don't think you are quite
just to Aunt Elsie. She has done much, and given up much, for us since
mother died. Her way is not ay pleasant; but I think she would be
easier to deal with as the giver than as the receiver. I mean, I shall
be very glad if it can be arranged that she shall have her income again.
But we won't speak more of these things to-night, dear. We only vex
ourselves; and that can do no good."

But Effie did not cease to vex herself when she ceased to speak, if
Christie might judge from the sighs that frequently escaped her. Just
as she was dropping to sleep, her sister's voice aroused her.

"Christie," she said, "you are not to say anything to any one about--
about John Nesbitt's wanting me to come here. Of course it's
impossible; and it mustna be spoken about."

"I couldna help hearing, Effie."

"No; I know, dear. But it's not to be spoken about. You must forget
it."

"Did Mrs Nesbitt want it too?" asked Christie.

"I don't know. Mrs Nesbitt is very kind; but you mustna say anything
to her about this matter--or to any one. Promise me, Christie."

Christie promised, wondering very much at her sister's eagerness, and
thinking all the time that it would be very nice to live with Mrs
Nesbitt and her sons, far pleasanter than to live on the farm, if it was
to be Aunt Elsie's. Christie felt very unsubmissive to this part of
their trouble. She thought it would be far easier to depend for a home
and food and clothes on their kind neighbours, who were friends indeed,
than on the unwilling bounty of her aunt. But, as Effie said, Christie
by no means did justice to the many good qualities of her aunt, and was
far from properly appreciating her self-denying efforts in behalf of
them all.

After that night, Effie did not often allude to their future plans when
with Christie. It was best not to vex themselves with troubles that
might never come, she said. They must wait patiently till the harvest
was over, and then all would be settled.

The summer passed on, with little to mark its course. Christie had more
to do about the house and in the garden than in the