had to suppress her
anger, and, taking the dress on her arm, she returned to her mistress
and gave her the dress with a pleasant air.

"Dear Mary," said Amelia, "many of the presents which I have had to-day
have cost more money than your basket, but none of them have given me
so much pleasure. Will you take this dress from me as a token of my
affection, and carry my best wishes to your good old father?"

Mary was not a vain girl, but her eyes sparkled at the sight of the
beautiful dress, which surpassed anything she had ever dreamed of
possessing. After warm thanks, she kissed the hand of the young
Countess and left the Castle.

Amelia's maid continued her work in silence, but with jealous fury
burning at her heart. The many tugs which she gave to the head-dress
she was preparing made Amelia at length inquire--

"Are you angry, Juliette?"

"I should be silly indeed, miss," answered Juliette; "to be angry
because you choose to be generous."

"That is a very sensible answer, Juliette," replied Amelia, "I hope you
may feel just as sensible."

Meantime Mary ran home to her father to show her new dress. The good
old man, while pleased at his daughter's pleasure, could not help
feeling a little anxiety when he saw the present. "I would much rather,
my child," he said, "that you had not taken the basket to the young
Countess, but it cannot be helped now. I fear that this valuable
present will but rouse the jealousy of some of our neighbours, and,
what would be still worse, that it may make you vain. Take care, my
dear Mary, that you fall not into this great evil. No costly and
beautiful garments so much adorn a young girl as modesty and good
manners. It is the Bible that says the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit is in the sight of God of great price."

CHAPTER III.

THE MISSING RING.

Shortly after Mary had left the Castle the Countess missed a valuable
diamond ring. No one had been in the room where she had left it but
Mary, and it is not surprising that suspicion fell upon the humble
flower-girl. Calling Amelia to her, the Countess told her of her loss
and of her suspicions, and bade her go to the cottage in order that she
might induce Mary to restore the ring before the theft became known.

When Amelia arrived at Mary's home, the young girl was busily engaged
trying on her beautiful dress. She was frightened to see the young
Countess enter her little room, pale and trembling, and out of breath
wit