neat and clean, and in winter you would probably see a
small bright fire on the hearth.

"How does the cat do?" said Henry, looking about for Mary Bush's
cat.

"Oh, here she is, Henry!" said Emily, screaming with joy, "in this
basket under the dresser, with two such beautiful tortoiseshell
kittens! Do look, Lucy--do look, Henry!"

"Miss Lucy," said old Mary, "would you like to have one of the kittens
when it is big enough to leave its mother?"

"Oh, yes, yes! and thank you, Mary," answered Lucy, "if mamma pleases."

When the children had looked at the kittens and kissed them, they went
to visit Margery Grey, and to talk to old Goodman Grey, who was working
in the garden, whilst Betty, in the meantime, and old Mary Bush, set
out the tea-cups, and set the kettle to boil for tea. When the tea was
ready, Betty called the children, and they would make Margery Grey come
and drink tea with them. Henry would have the old man come too.

"No, master," said the old man: "I know my place better."

"Well, then," said Lucy, "I will send you a nice cup of tea, and some
bread-and-butter, into the garden."

I wish you could have seen them all drinking tea at the door of the
cottage, round the little table, the two old women sitting in the
arm-chairs, for Lucy would have them do so, Betty making tea, and the
three children sitting on stools--and how pleased and happy they were.

[Illustration: "_Drinking tea at the door of the cottage, round the
little table._"--Page 149.]

Part II

Story of Miss Crosbie's Presents

[Illustration: Miss Crosbie spoke kindly to her]

We will begin this history again, by telling what had happened since
the first part was concluded.

Sir Charles and Lady Noble had left their fine place soon after the
funeral of their daughter, and it was supposed would never return; for
the house and park were advertised to be let. After a few months it was
taken by a family of the name of Darwell, said to be immensely rich:
this family had an only daughter.

No other changes had taken place; everybody else lived where they did
in the last part of our history, which is very pleasant, as we may hope
to see our old friends all again.

Mr. Fairchild had had a few hundred pounds left him by a friend, from
whom he had expected nothing; on the strength of which he bought a
plain roomy carriage, which would hold himself and Mrs. Fairchild in
the front seat, with a child between them, and two children be