econciliation. But to-day she had
determined to be happy, and Cora was delighted at her open admiration
of their little _menage_. The China and silver particularly charmed
her--first, with their beauty; and secondly, with the air of luxury they
gave her brother's modest table. They were moreover, articles of real
value that were Cora's, no matter what the contingency; and Margaret's
gentle heart rejoiced at what she termed "their first piece of luck."

How these two chatted! How they valued each moment of the time allowed
them! Maggie drew out her thimble and insisted upon being employed, and
the hours flew lightly over their heads until noon, when Lewis entered.

"Maggie!" he cried, as she flew out from behind the door where she had
concealed herself. "This is indeed a pleasure."

This affectionate greeting made her burst into tears; and she held her
head, for a few moments, against his breast.

"How kind of you, dear sister, to brave all, and come to us at last! I
wish it were for ever; but we are such ungrateful mortals that we never
rest satisfied with present blessings. You have been happy to-day,
darling," continued Lewis, as Cora entered. "I can tell that by looking
at you."

"Ay, Lewis, as merry as a cricket ever since Maggie came before me, like
a good angel, this morning. Do get the girls to go out and spend the day
again, my own pet sister, and gleam on Lewis and me before we begin to
pine again for one of your soft kisses.".

"I wish you could put me in a cage, like a stray bird," said Margaret,
with a smile of love. "I think I should like a jailer like Cora, and be
content to stay captive for ever."

But, alas! dinner was over, and they had only the afternoon left them.
Maggie remained until it was nearly dusk, that she might get an early
cup of tea from Cora's pretty China; then, with Lewis and his wife at
her side, sauntered slowly home. The tears sprang into her eyes as she
bade them adieu, and she had just rung the bell when the carriage
containing her sisters drove up the street. Fortunately, it was too dark
for them to recognize her companions, and she succeeded in getting rid
of her bonnet and mantle before they had managed to get out, as Laura
insisted upon being carried in the parlor by poor Mr. Phillips, because
he had taken, at dinner, a little more wine than was positively good for
him. But he succeeded, in despite of occasional glimpses of two wives,
four sisters-in-law, and two Mr. Clav