"I want you all to be very sorry for me." "What is the matter?" asked Mrs. Sumner, looking up rather startled.

"I discharged my clerk to-day-the fourth in five weeks. What has got into the boys now-a-days? I can't find one with head enough to put up a prescription. I must look for another to-morrow."

"Will you take me, uncle?" said Marion, quietly, looking up from her work.

He swung his chair round a little, and bent his head to see her face under the lamp. "What do you mean, child—are you

nest?"

"Quite in earnest."

in ear

"What do you know about it, I should like to ask? I don't believe you could tell salts from soda; and I want some one to work with me in my laboratory among the chemicals."

"I am not sure whether I know enough for you, dear uncle, but I am very fond of chemistry, and have studied and experimented a

good deal; at least, I know enough to be certain I could learn more."

"Hem! you girls were always to learn everything. Know Latin, too, I suppose?" "A little," said she, smiling.

"Well, let me try you." And then followed a long and close examination, during which the doctor's face brightened as Marion gave her clear and intelligent answers, till at last he turned round again, and leaned his head on his hand, thinking.

Marion resumed her work, but she was excited, and her hands trembled. Here, perhaps, was an opening for her; an opportunity for her to engage in the pursuit she best loved, and which she had studied under her father's direction for years. There would be no unwomanly braving of the opinions of others. In her uncle's laboratory and study she could be as secluded as in her mother's parlor, and she could add at once to her mother's income.

Besides, she would be spared the necessity of teaching. She had not the gift of impart

ing knowledge, well as her own mind was stored; and she had really dreaded the task before her, although she resolved, if no better occupation offered, to devote herself conscientiously to the duties allotted to her. But now -!

The more Dr. Wood considered, the better Of all his relations Marion He knew that she was ener

he liked the plan. was his favorite.

getic, punctual, and exact; and that she possessed a clear and powerful intellect. Her womanly neatness was another great recommendation, especially to one who had been so harassed by the very untidy ways of various "boys;" and to crown all she would be a most congenial companion. He looked also at her side of the question. She must do something, and he felt certain that he could make her comfortable and happy. At last he spoke. แ My dear child, my only doubts are on your account. Can you bear the steady occupation

Can

and confinement, day after day?"

"I am not afraid, uncle; my health is good.

I like the work, and think it far less wearying than teaching, while the confinement is no greater: if you will only try me."

"Well, dear, if you do not like it I shall be no worse off than I am now. There is one thing more. As the fall advances the days will shorten, and it will be best for you to live at my house; nominally, at any rate, Amy," said he, observing the change in Mrs. Sumner's countenance. "I will come home with her when I can, and while the days are long she can come by herself; but it would not be right for her to come so far alone in the evening. Let her have a room at my house; good Mrs. Janison will see that she is comfortable, and you will not be uneasy about her in stormy weather. Don't decide in a hurry; I will call in again to-morrow evening."

The result of this conversation was Marion's establishment as her uncle's assistant, to the satisfaction of all parties.

Mrs. Sumner organized her school successfully, and soon had the satisfaction of feeling

that she and her children were able, by their own industry, to obtain a sufficient competence.

In September of this eventful year, Oscar Sumner and Frank Enfield reached Constantinople, on their way home. Their journey had been unexpectedly retarded; so that only some letters of the previous autumn awaited them— all later ones having been forwarded to their banker at Paris.

How eagerly the welcome packages were opened and read; the most trifling details acquiring strange importance in the eyes of those so long deprived of news from home, and however numerous and minute, always leaving something to be told or wished for. Oscar received letters from every one of his family; long, pleasant letters, various in character, filled with all that had interested or amused the writers-reports of lectures, descriptions of pictures, abstracts of books and conversations -all the kaleidoscopic interests of daily active life.