and her presents were the most numerous, as Lady Fortrose had made known her intentions, and the contributions were very general. But many of the others could bear no unworthy comparison with them, for all the New Year's gifts had been entrusted to Lady Fortrose's care.

Minna was delighted to find among hers a bracelet of Winifred and Geraldine's hair, which was what she had long wished to possess, and in the locket that clasped it was one of her darling Stuart's brown curls.

All the presents gave genuine satisfaction, but none more so than a concertina, which was Lord Fortrose's present to Minna, and which he said she deserved for the pains she had taken in teaching the school-children to sing; Minna looked at Hazelby as if she thought he ought to have his share of the credit, and he came forward and said to her quietly, "See what comes of taking good advice;" at the same time holding up for her admiration a little clock which his sister had given him, as a testimony of the unswerving punctuality with which he kept to his self-appointed hours of study. Minna could only reply with a smile, and joined the group that had collected round the centre table. Beatrice was all delight and gratitude, and a deeper feeling was mingled with her pleasure, as she thought of the warm and true affection of the friends she was so soon to leave.

The rest of the day passed as cheerfully as the morning, and all were in spirits for the dance that was to conclude it.

The previous day having been Sunday, there had been no temptation to dance the old year out, and Minna was glad to have escaped a custom which she

never liked. But this evening she was quite ready for any gaiety; she was in unusually high spirits.

It was true that she had thought much of the sad event that had called her from Pentyre this time last year, and the conversation with her mother had returned to her mind even on this day. Happy !—oh, yes; and happier now than ever; and in the midst of the brightness around her she felt that her mother would have rejoiced in her joy, and that happiness such as hers was almost a tribute to that dear mother's memory; so there was no misgiving to dim the enjoyment of life's blessings.

In the course of the evening Minna looked round several times for Anne, and saw her looking cheerful and happy, and seldom alone, for little Wentworth was very fond of her, and if no other companion had joined her, he was pretty sure to be at her side. Once when Minna looked, and had intended to refuse a dance, in order to sit with her, she was pleased to see Beatrice engaged in an animated conversation with her little sister, and Anne's face was lighted up with pleasure and amusement, so Minna accepted the partner who now offered himself, and who was no other than Stuart, delighted to be allowed to sit up late for once, though even now under sentence to go to bed after this dance, for which he had therefore thrown himself on Minna's charity, having moreover informed his mother that he could not go to bed till he had danced with Minna.

It was late, or rather early, when the party separated, and Minna only stayed a few minutes in Winifred's room to agree that it had been a wonderfully happy day, without one contre-temps, and to express her great satisfaction at the change which had taken

place in Anne's character, and which had never shown itself so strikingly as on this evening.

"Yes," said Winifred; "I think she is learning to be happy, and Beatrice is kinder to her than she used to be. I think being happy makes people kind."

"Then you and I ought to be very kind."

"Well, I am sure you are, Minna, and I try to be. Of course when God is so good, and everybody is so kind to me, I should be very ungrateful if I did not try."

"And you do, my darling; that is one reason why people are so good to you. You love them, so they can't help loving you."

"Do they? I am very glad," said Winifred; "but if they love me, how they must love you."

Minna laughed.

"Ah, you are not an impartial judge where I am concerned. Now, good night, my darling, and may God bless you, and give us both a happy year."

CHAPTER XVII.

FAIS CE QUE DOIS ADVIENNE QUE POURRA.

A moment's thinking is an hour in words;
An hour of words is little for some woes.

HOOD.

Two letters were lying by Minna's plate when she came down to breakfast on the following morning. One was from Rhoda. This Minna read first, being somewhat anxious for another account of Bessie, for Rhoda's letters had lately been few and far between, and Minna was not quite satisfied with Bessie's account of herself.

This letter, however, contained another subject of importance, as Beatrice surmised, while she watched the smile of pleased interest that grew on Minna's lips as she read. But when she quietly folded up and restored the letter to the envelope, with the smile still playing on her countenance, Beatrice felt rather envious and disappointed, more especially as, having had no letter that morning, she was the more at leisure to busy herself with her neighbours' affairs.

Yes, Minna laid that letter down, thinking she had fully possessed herself of its contents.

A piece of news certainly, and very pleasant news, for Rhoda wrote to tell of her own engagement to Mr. Thorburn; but there was more-there was hidden in

that letter a turning point of Minna's life, and she did not yet see it.

Seeing that the other letter was from Frank, she could guess what it was about, so she kept it to read after breakfast, and joined in the general conversation. When the party dispersed, Minna put her arm through that of Beatrice, and led her into their sitting-room, saying, as they crossed the hall, "I have something to tell you;" which tantalizing intimation raised her companion's curiosity not a little. Anne was already in the room, and as soon as the door was closed, Minna abruptly announced "Rhoda is going to be married!" "Really! So that is your news. I am so glad," said Beatrice; "but to whom?”

"To Mr. Thorburn," answered Minna; "and I am very glad. I always hoped it would be so."

"Did you?" said Anne, in a tone of surprise.

"Yes. Last time I was at King's Holm I fancied that Rhoda rather liked him, and something Bessie said confirmed me in the idea."

Beatrice now left the room, and Minna proceeded quietly to open Frank's letter.

"But Bessie cannot be glad, I should think," said Anne. "How she will miss Rhoda! I can feel it because of Beatrice." Then, as the association of ideas brought back another conversation, "Oh! Minna," she exclaimed; "do you remember what you said?" And Anne stopped suddenly.

"What!" said Minna, looking up from her letter, and trying to prevent the change which she felt stealing over her countenance.

"You said once that if Rhoda married you must go and live with Bessie. But you will not; you need

M