tranger would
have pronounced her to be decidedly good-looking, considering that she
was a woman of nearly fifty years, and those good looks were the secret
of Mr. Santon's unfortunate connection with her. From the first, the
woman had taken a dislike to Natalie; it seemed as if she was determined
to spite her in every way possible. Why she should have felt thus toward
her, was certainly unaccountable, as there was no trait more unlovable
than innocency, about her character; but this very gentleness of nature,
in contrast with the iciness, seldom found in woman's heart, would, as
an unavoidable result, serve to widen the two extremes.

The Sea-flower would, as time advanced, have sought refuge in her own
home, from this mist of unrest, which had by degrees spread itself
around, but when she had spoken of the thing to Mr. Santon, he had
grasped her by the hand, as a drowning man would catch at a straw,
saying, if she would not entirely sever the golden thread which was once
bound around their home circle, she would defer her departure, for at
least, a little time; and she had seen the tear, which was as molten
lead, welling up from the strong man's heart. Then she said, "It is my
duty! I will remain with you! I feel there is something which bids me
stay; some mysterious power controlling my destiny."

"May you have your reward!" was Mr. Santon's reply; and we heartily
respond, "May she have her reward!"

Never a word did Mrs. Santon receive from the Sea-flower, in return for
her ungenerous treatment of her, other than tones of kindness; and
Natalie was happy under this new dispensation, for she said within
herself,--"I am but bearing a part of the burden which would crush dear
Winnie's heart;" and so she sang and played with her usual glad spirit,
gliding about the house with simple dignity, with a cheering word for
every one, and, as Biddy said,--"she was an escaped ray of light, too
bright for the darkness to hide."

As we may foresee, this very light-heartedness of the Sea-flower only
served to incite the ire of Mrs. Santon, who saw that every new
indignity which she had cast upon her, was returned with more meekness
of spirit. If Natalie had resented such conduct, giving "measure for
measure," the stern woman could have borne it better; but as it was, it
enraged her, that she could not come within her sphere; and, if the
truth were known, her senses were not so steeped in the waters of
insensibility, but that in