Nellie was with us during the month of
June, but has gone home till we return to town. I thank you for your
kindness, Miss Blake, and will call at your house to-morrow. I am
sorry I cannot accompany you this afternoon."

Edith looked up at the true, noble face, shaded by the simple summer
hat; and as she did so, a slow, sweet smile broke over Aunt Judith's
lips and lighted up her whole countenance.

"No wonder Winnie loved her!" thought the gay, fashionable girl. "I
feel as if I could kneel in all reverence at her feet, she looks so
good and pure." But she only said aloud,--"Then I shall expect you
to-morrow afternoon, Miss Latimer. Our house is easily found. You
will see the name, Maple Bank, on the gate. Please do not disappoint
us; and oh! I am so glad I have met you at last."

So they parted, and Edith stepped homewards with a lightened heart.

Mr. and Mrs. Blake received her news quietly. They would rather the
intimacy had not been renewed, but for Winnie's sake no opposition
would be made now. They would find out Miss Latimer's present home,
and call on her that evening. As for telling Winnie, it might be
better, perhaps, to keep her still in ignorance till the following day.

Clare alone turned up her haughty nose when Edith related the morning's
adventure, and inquired if she too were becoming infected with the
Latimer mania. "For my part," concluded the proud girl, "I think our
parents very foolish--encouraging Winnie in all her whims and fancies.
There will be no end to them soon. I am very sorry for the child, but
I still decidedly disapprove of giving in to her continually. I should
not be surprised if this wonderful Aunt Judith becomes a daily visitor
before long. However, I wash my hands of the whole affair." And
lifting a book, Clare passed out through the window into the garden;
while Edith, disgusted at the cruel words, went slowly upstairs, and
placed Dick's precious letter in Winnie's hands.

It was a wonderful epistle, spiced with grand nautical phrases, and
brimful of the truly marvellous and incredible in nature. Winnie
laughed heartily over the absurd yarns, described with sailor-like
veracity, and then gave a little cry of joy when Edith, who was reading
the letter aloud, ended with the following words:--"And now, my dear
little Win, if we have favourable weather you may expect to see your
dear old Dick home about the end of September; and won't we have a
jolly time of it th