him. Stay with her a few minutes every day, Miss Minnie," said he, on parting at her door," and remember, only a few minutes."

Minnie gladly availed herself of this permission, but never exceeded the allotted time.

XVI.

Sophie at School.

T was dark when Sophie arrived at the seminary. It was grim-looking enough in the evening shadows, and Sophie's heart sank within her as she thought, "Is this the place I've exchanged for home?" She felt very lonely, and her heart ached as she stood on the high steps, without one familiar face to cheer her. Minnie had written to Mrs. Bartlett, and she received Sophie with the greatest kindness. "I shall love you for your sister's sake, and I hope soon for your own," was said in a winning

manner.

Sophie was shown to her room, on the third floor. It was small, but very neatly furnished. There was a dark carpet on the floor, and dark curtains at the two windows,

a bureau, washstand, table, two chairs and a rocking-chair; a small bedstead and two trunks Sophie's and her room-mate's-completed the furniture. Sophie threw herself on the bed, and cried, from a feeling of home-sickness and loneliness. Her tea was sent to her, but she left it scarcely tasted, and sat down by the window, watching the gathering darkness, and wondering if she would like her school-mates. She loved Mrs. Bartlett already, but she did not teach -Sophie wished she did. She was disturbed in her musings by the entrance of a girl about her own age. "I am your chum, Miss Carleton; we shall be friends soon, sha'n't we?" and she advanced, with a bright smile, and kissed her. Sophie felt happier; and when Mary Roscoe, as she told Sophie to call her, proposed to go down to the schoolroom, and drew her arm within hers, Sophie made no objection. It was a long room; desks arranged in rows at the sides, and a long table in the centre, around which were

seated twenty-four young girls, all deeply engaged, some in study, some otherwise. They raised their heads as the new comer entered, and some stared at the tall, slender girl in deep mourning. Her new friend

gave her a seat beside herself at the table, and, giving her a book to amuse herself with, said, "No lessons will be required of you to-morrow, but you mustn't talk to me; this is silent study-hour' till nine," and she pointed to the clock, and put her fingers playfully on her lips. Sophie smiled: schoolgirls soon understand each other. She turned over the leaves of her book, but could not get interested, there were so many new faces around her, and they formed a more pleasing study, at present. She knew Mary Roscoe was warm-hearted, from her own kind. reception; and conscientious, because, when teased to talk now, she shook her head and touched her lips; and she thought, too, that she was very influential in that little circle; and, by the time the study-hour was out, she

thought she had gained the friendship of the leader at school. She was not mistaken. Mary Roscoe was acknowledged to be the "star of B-Seminary," with no dissenting voice. Mr. Bartlett came in, and stayed half an hour, answering all proper questions. He shook hands with Sophie, asked her a few questions relative to her studies, and, telling her that she would fall into his division, left her, charmed with the gentlemanly grace of his manner, and with his kindness to herself. At nine one of the girls touched the bell, and away went the books, laughter and confused talking taking their place for fifteen minutes; and then, the bell being struck for silence, they went two by two to the hall for prayers. After prayers they went quietly to their rooms; and at ten lights were out, and no talking allowed. Sophie went to sleep happier than she thought possible the first night from home. Ought she to kneel and pray? This she debated; conscience gained the victory,