to
J. R.
All for the Best."

"What does, it mean, mother? I do not see anything very strange about
that."

"I have seen this watch before," she replied, stopping to think. "Where
did your mother get this watch, Katy?" she asked, as it occurred to her
that she might be arriving at a conclusion too suddenly.

"It was my father's."

"Where did your father get it? Did you ever hear your mother say?"

"Yes, ma'am; her father, who was a rich Liverpool merchant, gave it to
her husband, my father," replied Katy, who felt justified in revealing
what her mother had told her to keep secret.

"Mercy!" gasped Mrs. Gordon, almost overcome by her emotions.

"What is the matter, mother? What has all this to do with you?" asked
Grace, anxiously.

"Come here, Katy, my child," continued Mrs. Gordon, as she drew the
little candy merchant to her side, and warmly embraced her. "Your
mother, Katy, is my sister, I have scarcely a doubt."

"Why, mother! Is it possible?" exclaimed Grace.

"It is even so. Mrs. Redburn, whose name we have often heard mentioned
without thinking it might be the wife of John Redburn, my father's
clerk, is my sister. I had given her up, and have regarded her as dead
for more than ten years. But, Grace, get my things, and I will go to
her at once."

"Is that your portrait, ma'am?" asked Katy, pointing to the picture of
the mischievous lady.

"No, child; that is your mother's portrait."

"I almost knew it."

"It was taken when she was only sixteen years old. She was a gay, wild
girl then. I suppose she is sadly changed now."

The thought completely overcame Mrs. Gordon, and throwing herself upon
a sofa, she wept like a child. She thought of her sister suffering from
poverty and want, while she had been rolling in opulence and plenty.
Grace tried to comfort her, but it was some time before she was in a
condition to enter the carriage which was waiting at the door.

"What an adventure, mother!" exclaimed Grace, as she seated herself by
the side of Katy; and it was evident she had a vein of the romantic in
her composition.

"Do not talk to me, Grace. My heart is too full for words."

"But I may talk to Katy--may I not?"

"Yes."

"Well, cousin Katy," laughed Grace; "I shall call you cousin, though
you are not really my cousin."

"Not your cousin?" said Katy, a shade of disappointment crossing her
animated features.

"No; for Mrs. Gordon is not really my mo