er reserved in manner with those whom she did not
know well; but Lucy could not help feeling Mary's great superiority as
a companion, when she compared the state of mind in which Stella's
stream of gossip had left her, with the elevating, stimulating
tendency of her conversations with Mary on subjects more worthy of
immortal beings. They seemed mutually to draw each other on to a
sphere far above the petty frivolities on which so many fritter away
powers given for higher ends. Even when they did not touch on topics
directly religious, they seemed to be far nearer the Light that is
"inaccessible and full of glory," when discussing the working of God's
laws and providence in nature and history, than if their minds had
been lowered and discoloured by dwelling on the faults, follies, and
petty concerns of their neighbours.

Sophy, who had been a little fagged and worn out by her incessant
round of gaiety, previous to her going to the seaside, was now looking
more brilliantly handsome, Lucy thought, than she had ever seen her.
Stella had informed her that Sophy's betrothed had been at the seaside
with them. "And oh, he's so delightful, you can't think! So handsome,
and good-natured, and obliging! I can tell you, Sophy looked proud of
him there! He gave her the loveliest emerald set; you'll see her wear
them. And I'm pretty sure they're to be married next spring, though
she won't tell me; but I'll coax it out of Ada."

Lucy thought Sophy must be very happy; yet she could not help thinking
if both she and her lover were really Christians, how much happier
they would be! Nothing Stella had said led her to suppose that he was;
and if he were, what an alloy of anxiety and separation in the most
important points would mar the perfection of love!

It was with increased zest, and a fuller appreciation of the interest
and value of her studies, that Lucy entered upon them once more. The
happy weeks at Oakvale had been of permanent benefit to her, in
opening new channels of thought and enlarging her sphere of mental
vision, both through the books she had been reading, and the comments
of Dr. and Mrs. Eastwood, both of whom had thoughtful, cultivated
minds. She now studied with very little reference to prizes, or even
the approbation of masters, but from a deep interest in the studies
themselves, and a feeling of their beneficial effect in leading her to
higher ranges of thought. Every new attainment was but a step to a
fresh startin