lf might have worn.

"After all, I believe that Nelly _has_ deserved all the praise and love
which she has won," sighed the disappointed Matty, her jealousy
conquered by the example of generous self-denial which she saw in her
younger sister.

The party quickly followed the steps of Nelly Desley to the cottage of
Dick--Lubin assisting his mother to carry the various gifts of his
sisters. Affection quitted the rest for a few minutes in order to direct
the movements of some attendants, who were spreading a table in the open
air, in the space between the cottages. They were making preparations
for a banquet, designed as a pleasant surprise for the Desleys upon
their mother's return. The treat was given by Duty and Affection upon
the joyful occasion, and especially intended to honour the wearer of the
crown of Success.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE CROWN OF SUCCESS.

"Mine, Nelly! no, it can never be mine!" exclaimed Dick, resisting with
emotion the efforts of his sister to place the crown on his head.

"It was to be for the one who had made the best use of his hours," said
Nelly; "it is fairly yours, for none of our furniture could be compared
to that which you brought from the town. It was not your fault that an
accident destroyed what had cost you so many good hours, nor is it right
that you should suffer a double loss from the fire."

"There might have been reason in what you say," observed the pale
invalid, "if the accident had indeed been owing to no error of my own.
Nay, Nelly, you must not prevent me from telling the whole truth. It is
best that I should speak, and that all these my friends should hear."
Dame Desley, her children, and her guests, were all standing around the
boy. "If," continued Dick, "I had obeyed the voice of my mother--if I
had turned my back upon Pride, and not attempted, at his bidding, things
that I was not able to perform--if he had not introduced me to Folly,
whom I encouraged, although I despised her--the explosion would never
have taken place, I should have suffered no shame and loss. I am willing
to bear the consequences of my own wilfulness and presumption. I should
blush to wear the crown of Success, which I feel that I do not merit.
Let me see it on your brow, dear Nelly; its proper place is there. Next
to the pleasure of winning it myself, is that of knowing that it belongs
to one who so richly deserves it."

Nelly was no longer able to resist. The sparkling crown was placed on