p Effie with the little ones, as she was now satisfied, than to
escape from dependence on Aunt Elsie. Not that, even in her worst
moments, Christie could make herself believe that her aunt did not
gladly share the little that she had with her brother's orphans, or that
she would share it less willingly with her than with the others. The
unwillingness was on her part. And the root of this unwillingness was
pride, and an unforgiving remembrance of what she called her aunt's
harshness to her. Aunt Elsie had been at times more or less hard with
all her nieces. But she had been so to Christie in a way different from
the rest; and the child was willing to believe that the cause lay less
in her waywardness than in her aunt's unjust partiality. With such
feelings permitted, nay, at times willingly indulged, no wonder that she
too often failed to find the peace she sought.

But gradually the home-sickness wore away. Daily she became more useful
and more valued in the nursery. She felt that Mrs Lee trusted her, and
this did much to make her content. She almost always was patient when
the children were in their exacting moods, and was always firm in
refusing any forbidden pleasure. From her "your mamma would be
displeased," or her "it is not right," there was no moving her; and of
this the children soon became aware. She never assumed authority over
them. They would have resented this quickly enough. But if the reward
of a story or a merry game before bed-time was forfeited by ill-conduct,
it was felt as a severe disappointment. For any disobedience or other
naughtiness in the nursery, the refusal of a kiss for good-night was
punishment enough. All children are not so easily guided or governed as
the little Lees were; and few children are placed so entirely apart from
evil influences as they were in those days. They were quick and
restless, and full of spirit, but, as I have said, they were
affectionate and tractable; and though often, before the last little
busybody was safely disposed of for the night, Christie believed her
strength and patience to be quite exhausted, her love for them increased
day by day.

So the first three months of her absence from home wore away, and the
merry Christmas-time drew nigh. Till now, Christie had seen little of
the master of the house. He was rarely in for many days together. His
business took him here and there through the country; and even when he
was in the city he was no