wondered how Adela continued to go forward, did not consider the strength derived each morning, in answer to the humble prayer for assistance in the duties of the day; the refreshment of the quiet hour, when each night was raised a supplication for the pardon of all that might have been amiss; praise and thanksgiving for the many mercies which had been vouchsafed. With this singleness of aim, though there were many lessons to be learnt, many things to be improved, nothing went wrong but what might be bettered.

The children, she knew, were far from faultless; she loved them too well to think so. Charlotte, who was nine, and George, who was seven, were much alike in their common sense and energy, but rather given to be sturdy in their own opinion. Louisa, who came between, was intellectual, but apt when anything went otherwise than she liked to be out of spirits, and she sunk down, under 'depressing circumstances, into a sort of gloom which grieved Adela to see. Henry, wild as the wind, was frank, open, and manly, but little inclined to listen to reason. Mary, "the singing bird," the joy of the house, was too sensitive, and if not carefully disciplined, might become a most unhappy woman. Thus each young plant required its own peculiar training. But Adela had been too long her mother's companion not to know the broad, high, and common ground, on which the parent would have wished it to be founded; and bearing her pre

cepts in mind, she strove to impress upon her children the grand principles from which might spring in time all that could be wished. She endeavoured to make each one understand their own singleness of being; that each had been made by God, belonged to Him, and had to serve Him, to whom they owed everything, even her own love and care, to which they so closely clung. She always tried to bring home to them, that the one thing to be dreaded was displeasing God; the one thing to be done, to learn His will, and then to do it, and that this was to guide all actions, even of little children. She did not fear to set before them, in terms suited to their comprehension, the great and glorious truths in which they with their elder brethren had an interest.

Nor was Adela herself left without companionship for her own improvement; there was unity of mind between father and daughter. She met him in the evening with unvarying gentleness and cheerfulness, making his home still pleasant to him. Occasionally she accompanied him to the houses of those whom he esteemed, and whose good opinion he valued; at other times, he would bring a friend or two in to dinner; and when they were alone, the new book or the incidents of the day supplied topics of mutual interest. Adela's time was full, and neither mind nor body were in danger of rusting. She perceived, however, that the children, who were some of them delicate,

would benefit much by a residence in the country, and at the end of a year she persuaded her father to try the plan. Mr Edgerton, therefore, moved out of town; and a railway (a newer mode of travelling in those days than it has since become,) conveyed him to his daily business. The old London house was given up; and Adela's home thus transferred to the quiet village of Redleigh, with its English lanes and pretty woods. It was a change she never regretted; each day that passed found them peaceful and happy, while the children were visibly benefited by the country air.

John Harcourt called to pay them a farewell visit before leaving England. It was more evident than ever now, that Adela's work was at home, and they parted, satisfied that they had severally chosen the right path, and each content in quietness and confidence to find their strength.

CHAPTER X.

Not Murder, my Lord.

"Alas! poor Richard."

OR more than two years after Mr Edgerton

FOR

went to reside in the country, Adela's life passed quietly on amid daily duties and cares. Pleasures, too, were not wanting, among which she reckoned the marked improvement in the children's looks: the pale faces had all vanished, and were replaced by a fresh country look of health. The careful sister also hoped that some progress had been made in mental as well as bodily growth. There came, however, a time when the party suffered some disturbance, from the boys outgrowing the discipline which had hitherto sufficed for them; and Adela felt each day that they got more and more beyond the management of herself or Miss Flyn.

She knew that the remedy for the growing evil was, that George and Henry should be sent to

school; but Mr Edgerton had lately been much engaged, and when the subject was mentioned to him, had said it must be deferred till he was more at leisure. At the same time, he told the boys he should be extremely angry if they gave their sister any trouble; but as he was away all day, and Adela seldom worried him with complaints in the evening, the threat lost its good effect, and the pranks of the two boys were alternately of the provoking and the comic character; sometimes they nearly made their sister cry with worry and vexation, at other times her anger was unavoidably mingled with laughter at the absurdities perpetrated. On one occasion, however, whilst Miss Flyn was away for a summer holiday, the performance assumed a different turn, and became tragic.

George had been much interested in a book he had been reading about quadrupeds, with the accounts of the different accomplishments that might be taught to animals; and the result was, that he had made many attempts to teach a little tabby kitten, a plaything with all the children, but a special pet of Mary's, to walk upon her hind legs. He had hitherto met with no success; the kitten, he said, was a "stupid thing, and did'nt understand." It was in vain Adela told him that cats could not be taught to walk on two legs instead of four, and that even with other animals it was the result of great cruelty. George, as has been al