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placed near the window, which commanded a most extensive view, she lay musing in calm delight upon the scene before her, and revolving in her mind the various subjects upon which they had been conversing. Her meditations took something of the following form:

"Yes, Dr. Trevor was quite right. A mind intent upon finding opportunities will discover them in the most unlikely things. I am intent, for I know too well the texture of my mind to let it rest in idleness. It will settle down in selfishness, and that shall not be. Miss Burnet little thought that her few kind words in behalf of her friend would sink so deep, but they have. And, if God permit, that sweet patient widow shall have all the help that I can give her. I wonder whether she will allow me. I am well able to teach her children anything; and it would be such a pleasure to me. Most truly can I tell her, that if she should feel herself indebted to me I shall consider myself tenfold indebted to her.

I love children, and I shall be usefully occupied; what a comfort! I do not think mama will object. I wonder when she will come in. How foolishly I have been fretting the last few days; it was very wrong. I wish I could lay it to the account of my sickness, but I cannot. It is just discontent, setting up my own will again against God's will. O God, forgive me! Deal with me as Thou wilt, mould my fretful will in accordance with Thine, and regard not my wayward murmurings!

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'What a sweet joyous creature is that bright young Effie! but how little prepared for the storms of life. I feel that I shall dearly love her, and I hope I shall be able to make my society useful to her. They are very kind to come and see me; everybody is kind !"

And with a spirit soothed and tranquillized, and a heart full of grateful feelings, the sick girl closed her eyes, while the beautiful purple sunset shed its rich hues over her pale wan

countenance.

And when her mother and

sister came in, a few minutes after, from their walk, with noiseless tread, to inquire after their loved one, they found her in a quic slumber.

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CHAPTER IV.

SUNSHINE AND SHADE.

"Contentment is the tranquillity of the heart, prayer is its aliment. It is satisfied under every dispensation of Providence, and takes thankfully its allotted portion, never inquiring whether a little more would not be a little better, knowing that if God had so judged, it would have been as easy for Him to have given the more as the less."-H. MORE.

THE little cottage which had attracted Miss Wilson's attention was situated on the slope of a hill, and in no way differed from the other poor cottages around, excepting perhaps in the advantage of situation. It was on higher ground, and there was a beautiful copse wood on one side; but in all other respects it was the same. A small room on each side of the door, and two bed-rooms over these, was all the cottage contained; and there was a small garden enclosed with a wooden paling, such as we usually see, in the south of England, round the

dwellings of the poor. But the inside of the cottage left no room to doubt that the presiding genius of refinement and cultivation had shed over the few simple materials that were provided for her to work upon, that indefinable charm which nothing else can supply. The furniture was of the simplest description, but well chosen, and all in harmony. One side of the small sitting-room was furnished with shelves well filled with books. Two or three beautiful prints in plain maple frames hung over these, and in one corner by the fire-place was a cottage piano. A small round table, with an embroidered cover, stood in the centre, and a small work-table near the window, and flowers were tastefully arranged on the low chimney-piece and on either table. It was Ellen's province to see that these were always fresh and beautiful, and little Minnie had charge of the books, and no dust was ever allowed to gather upon these prime treasures of the house.

The children had attached themselves to

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