was alone in the world, crept away to a deep window in a corridor that commanded from its many windows a view of the village church and the road leading to it; and there, quite hidden by a heavy dark curtain, she watched the funeral cortege.

Slowly and solemnly passed the dark crowd beneath the bare, desolate-looking trees of the avenue. The old servants were weeping, and a wintry wind moaned sadly round the ancient ivy-clad walls. Gradually now the sense of desolation came over Violet. She realized that never again would she see the upright old figure seated by the drawing-room fire, never feel the aged hand passed gently over her bowed head as she too watched the coals glowing and throwing their fanciful shadows. She realized her grandmother's words, that she was quite alone; and then tears filled her eyes and shut out the sight of the black-robed party, whose short duties in the graveyard were ended. Deep sorrow welled up in the lonely child's heart, and the quiet tears changed to sobs as she sat, she knew not how long, in the quiet corner she had chosen. What was her surprise when the

curtain was raised, and a kind, sympathising voice said,

"Well, little one! every one has been hunting for you."

And Violet lifted her eyes from the new black frock that was wet with tears, and saw beside her a gentleman of about twenty-five, in whom she recognised one of those who had attended the funeral. There was something in his face that inspired trust, and a sense of rest too; and Violet felt less frightened than she would have thought possible when she felt her hand kindly taken, and the gentleman sat down on the window-seat beside her.

"Your governess has been reproaching herself for losing sight of you; but now that you are found, take time to get a little quiet, and then you and I will go to the library together." Here Violet's hand gave a nervous shake, which brought a reassuring smile to the face beside her. "Nothing to fear, little Violet; only a few simple arrangements for the future to be discussed-and these are obliged to be spoken of to-day, while the lawvers and other persons concerned are here."

66

Please," said Violet, timidly, “may I just bathe my face with cold water-my head aches so."

"Does it? of course you may bathe your face, my child. I can give you five minutes, and then you will find me waiting for you here."

And in five minutes the little black-robed figure came back, her golden hair smooth and shining, and her face much calmer than before. Quietly she slipped her hand into that of her friend, as she already felt the stranger to be, and together they entered the library, where a crowd of persons in black made room for them to pass.

In a sort of dream Violet heard the clear, business-like voice of the head lawyer present read on through the many pages contained in the will of Frances Patricia, Countess of Glenmore. She comprehended nothing until the word "guardians" caught her ear, and she heard the names of Sir James Weston and Francis Mordaunt, Esquire, of Norris Court. Then she looked up wonderingly, and found two persons regarding her the one : an old, military-looking man, the other the gentleman who had found her sobbing in the window

seat. A faint hope stirred within her, and seemed to express itself in her eyes, for her new friend bent down and whispered, "Yes, Violet, I am one of your guardians, and we shall be true friends, I hope."

This was the only portion of her grandmother's will Violet remembered anything about; and when the formal reading was concluded, and when the long file of servants and strangers went away from the library, she would have followed them, but was detained by the two gentlemen who had been appointed her guardians, who also asked her governess, a widow lady, to stay and discuss the arrangements they proposed making for their young ward.

Mrs. Emmerson, who had always seemed to Violet a very subdued and quiet personalmost apathetic-now appeared strangely altered. There was a bright flush on her cheeks, and her eyes shone with interest and excitement. The look of surprise on her pupil's face made this lady draw near to explain the cause of her happiness.

"My dear, you will wonder at this change in me; but you have not followed the words

of the will we have just heard read, or you would have understood it better. The dear and generous lady with whom I have lived as your governess has left me a legacy which will enable me to join and live independently with my two young sons in Australia."

Violet's face reflected the pleasant expression in that of her governess.

"Indeed, Mrs. Emmerson, I am very glad for your sake! You must have often longed to be in Australia instead of teaching me!"

"Too often, dear child, I fear; and it rejoices me to think that a younger and more cheerful teacher and companion will soon be yours."

Violet looked inquiringly at the two gentlemen; and the elder, Sir James Weston, answered the look.

"This is what we wish to speak about, my dear. We have been thinking that as this lady is about to return to her own happy, natural duties, and as a change of scene would be beneficial to you for a time, it would be well if you could stay in London while Mrs. Emmerson is there to make arrangements for her voyage."