ory, and there is no
doubt that to read as she did, was really of more advantage to her than
it would have been had she subscribed to Mudie, and seen all the new
novels of the day. She was fond of romance, being romantic herself;
and the legends and traditions of heroic Northumberland were most dear
to her heart. She read and re-read those border ballads in which all
the world delights, feeling that the prowess described in them, the
sufferings endured, the struggles made, and the victories won, were
those of her own people. Had not Bamborough Castle, and its brave
inhabitants, witnessed it all, and could she not see the noble fortress
from her own bedroom window? A people with so much historic lore, with
such a wonderful past, full of glorious deeds and marvellous sorrows,
must needs have some of the heroic spirit in them; and as it was born
in Grace Darling, and fostered by the very leisure and solitariness of
her girlhood, we are not surprised that it flashed forth afterward, in
a deed as courageous as, and much more noble than, many war exploits of
her forefathers.

But dearly as she loved these old romances, Grace Darling was not
allowed, even as a girl, to let them fill her life. If the words were
not known to her, which have nerved many a girl to practical
usefulness, their spirit was--

"Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever,
Do noble deeds, not dream them all day long."

And she soon learned to take her share in the household duties and
difficulties. Her brothers were sent to the mainland to finish their
education, and to prepare for the honourable career of hard work that
was before them. But Grace could not be spared. She was so dear to
her father, and so necessary to her mother, that they decided that
whoever left the lighthouse-home Grace must not. She was quite willing
to remain, and was contented with her lot. She followed her father's
example, by doing what she could both well and cheerily. She had a
good voice, and she often sang at her work, so that her joy
communicated itself to others. Still it was a happy time for her when
the work of the day was done, and she was able to sit down by the
fireside, and read from her favourite books, while her mother worked.

One year, however, Grace had a holiday. It was beautiful weather, in
the end of the summer; and some of her friends sent to tell her how
lovely the corn-fields looked, and how sweet the air was on the
mainland arou