wrapped in is greasy and disagreeable; but these have
just the right quantity, and they are made with suitable bread--not, as
I have often had them, of spongy bread, full of holes, through which the
butter and meat oozes on to one's fingers."

In addition to these there were, for Ella's benefit, a few sandwiches
made with damson jam, from which the stones had been extracted. The next
course consisted of some small cakes and a few ripe pears. By way of
beverage, Mrs. Hastings had supplied Ella with a flask of cold tea, made
weak, and with a squeeze of lemon in it, which she had always found the
best possible drink for quenching thirst; when travelling herself she
always took either this or lime-juice and water. Finally, knowing that
Ella had a good appetite, and would probably get very hungry before
reaching her journey's end, her mother had told the cook to fill a small
jam pot with lemon jelly, and to provide a teaspoon to eat it with. Ella
found this most refreshing, and her lunch altogether was very
satisfactory; certainly the supply was rather too bountiful, but that
fact did not trouble her much, for she soon noticed a poor,
hungry-looking boy on one of the stations, who thankfully accepted all
that was left.

In spite of the length of the journey, Ella quite enjoyed the day; her
father was so kind and took such good care of her. He insisted on her
getting out of the carriage and walking up and down the platform
whenever the train stopped long enough, that she might not be tired of
sitting still; and when it began to get dark he made her put her feet up
on the seat and tucked her up with the rug, and made her so comfortable
that, to her own great surprise, she went fast asleep, and only awoke as
her father was collecting their books and wraps on nearing their
destination.

(_To be continued._)

MERLE'S CRUSADE.

BY ROSA NOUCHETTE CAREY, Author of "Aunt Diana," "For Lilias," etc.

CHAPTER III.

THE NEW NURSE.

In looking back on those days, I simply wonder at my own audacity. Am I
really and truly the same Merle Fenton who rang at the bell at Prince's
Gate and informed the astonished footman that I was the person applying
for the nurse's situation? I recall that scene now with a laugh, but I
frankly own that that moment was not the pleasantest in my life. True,
it had its ludicrous side; but how is one to enjoy the humour of an
amusing situation alone? and, to tell the truth, the six foot of plush