es of grace and beauty which surrounded her. There was a flush
indeed on her cheek, but no light in the heavy eyes. She looked like a
gathered flower,--fair, but drooping, because it can strike no root and
find no moisture. Thomas Bradly was shocked at the change a few days
had made in the poor girl since he last saw her, and could hardly
restrain his tears. At the head of the couch sat Mrs Maltby, with a
face sadly worn and troubled; and between her and the fire was her
husband, on whose features there rested a more chastened and peaceful
sorrow.

"Come, sit down, Thomas," said Mr Maltby; "my dear child cannot rest
till she has seen you, and told you something that lies on her mind. I
think she will be happier when she has had this little talk; and it may
be that God will bless her visit to the sea, and send her back to us in
improved health. I know we shall have your prayers, and the prayers of
many others, that it may be so."

"You shall, you do have our prayers," cried Bradly, earnestly; "the
Lord'll order it all for the best. He's been doing wonderful things for
us lately, and he means to give you and dear Miss Clara a share of his
blessings."

"Well," replied the vicar, "we will hope and trust so, Thomas. The
clouds have not gathered without a cause; but still, I believe that, as
the hymn says, they will yet `break with blessings on our head.'--Clara,
my child, it will not be wise to make this interview too long; so we
will leave the talking now to yourself and Thomas Bradly."

"Dear, kind friend," began Miss Maltby, raising herself from her couch,
and leaning herself on her mother, who came and sat by her, "I could not
be satisfied to leave Crossbourne without seeing you first, as I want
you to do something for me in the parish which I cannot ask my dear
father to do. And I want to make a confession also to you, as it may be
the means of doing some little good in the place where I have left so
much undone, and as perhaps it may not please God that I should come
back again to my earthly home."

She was unable to proceed for a few moments, and Bradly dared not trust
himself to speak, while the vicar and his wife found it hard to control
their feelings.

"Thomas," she at length continued, her voice gaining strength and her
mind clearness under the excitement of the subject which now filled her
heart and thoughts, "I want you to say something for me to my class--at
least to those girls who belonged to