s
grand object, and she was obliged once more to see him depart to pursue
his education, a whole circle of pursuits and occupations had sprung up
around her, and given her the happiness of feeling herself both useful
and valued. Old Mr. Langford saw in her almost the Mary he had parted
with when resumed in early girlhood by Mrs. Vivian; Mrs. Langford had a
granddaughter who would either be petted, sent on messages, or be civil
to the Careys, as occasion served; Aunt Roger was really grateful
to her, as well for the Latin and Greek she bestowed upon Willy and
Charlie, as for the braided merino frocks or coats on which Bennet used
to exercise her taste when Henrietta's wardrobe failed to afford her
sufficient occupation. The boys all liked her, made a friend of her,
and demonstrated it in various ways more or less uncouth: her manners
gradually acquired the influence over them which Queen Bee had only
exerted over Alex and Willy, and when, saving Carey and Dick, they grew
less awkward and bearish, without losing their honest downright
good humour and good nature, Uncle Geoffrey only did her justice in
attributing the change to her unconscious power. Miss Henrietta was
also the friend of the poor women, the teacher and guide of the school
children, and in their eyes and imagination second to no one but Mr.
Franklin. And withal she did not cease to be all that she had ever been
to her brother, if not still more. His heart and soul were for her, and
scarce a joy and sorrow but was shared between them. She was his home,
his everything, and she well fulfilled her mother's parting trust of
being his truest friend and best-loved counsellor.

Would that her own want of submission and resignation had not prevented
her from hearing the dear accents in which that charge was conveyed!
This was, perhaps, the most deeply felt sorrow that followed her through
life; and even with the fair peaceful image of her beloved mother,
there was linked a painful memory of a long course of wilfulness and
domineering on her own part. But there was much to be dwelt on that
spoke only of blessedness and love, and each day brought her nearer to
her whom she had lost, so long as she was humbly striving to walk in the
steps of Him Who "came not to do His own will, but the will of Him that
sent Him."

THE END

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