e."

The pent-up sobs would have their way at last, and the girl sank down
beside her aunt, who tried to soothe and comfort her.

"Have those dresses troubled you so much, dear?" she asked gently. "I
had no idea that that was the cause of your annoyance, but fancied you
did not like the style in which they were made. If I had thought that
you would have any objection I would have acted differently; but as your
mother----"

"Did mother know that you were getting them for me?" inquired Ruth.

"Yes, and she wrote to say that she should be glad for you to be treated
in every way like your cousin. And you must never think, dear, that we
regard you as 'a poor relation.' Remember that your father is my
brother, and whatever I give you has been paid for, and far more than
paid for, years ago."

"Thank you, auntie; I am glad to know that," she said quietly.

"I did not think you were so proud, Ruth," whispered Ernest as she left
the room, and went up to her own chamber to have a good cry over her
foolish behaviour. But, to her dismay, Julia was there dressing for a
walk, an occupation which she knew would take her a considerable time.

Oh, how she longed for her little room at home, where she had so often
taken her childish troubles, or for a quiet nook upon the shore, such as
she had often read of, but which is rarely to be found in a fashionable
watering-place. There was no solitude for her just then, and she was
obliged to fight the battle within silently, while her companion rallied
her upon her mournful looks and red eyes; and to send up her prayer for
help from the heart, without using the lips. But help came, and she
conquered at last the pride and temper of which she was now thoroughly
ashamed. She was anxious to obtain her aunt's forgiveness for the rude
reception of her kindness, and tried to make amends by arraying herself
in the pink dress and pretty hat, which she showed to Julia, saying how
kind it was of auntie to get such lovely things for her. By-and-by when
she had an opportunity she said in a low voice, "I am very sorry that I
was so proud and rude just now, auntie. I'll try to behave better in
future."

And Mrs. Woburn, looking at her niece's dress, saw that her repentance
was not only expressed in words.

CHAPTER VIII.

SEA-SIDE PLEASURES.

A week spent at Stonegate had taught Ruth more of her own frailties and
weaknesses, and had shown her more of the various sorts of people of
which t