"Stella had a letter just now," Dora announced.
"Yes," said Stella, "from Sarah. You remember my telling you about Sarah, Aunt Mary?"
"Yes, certainly."
"She is in a situation at Margate as maid to an old lady, who is very kind to her. She says she is perfectly happy, and she sent me a present. I will run upstairs after tea and bring it down to show you."
"It is so pretty," said Nellie; "a shell-box with 'A present from Margate' on it, and a little looking-glass fastened in the lid inside."
"I was so glad to hear from Sarah," Stella said softly; "she was the first real friend I ever had. She asks," with a vivid blush, and lowering her voice so that the words only reached her aunt's ear, "if I am still nervous at night and afraid of ghosts. I shall be able to tell her I have overcome my old fears."
"See what a bright colour Stella has!" Dr. Knight exclaimed. "I am sure, Mary, it's time to stop calling her a town mouse; I don't believe those roses could ever have grown in London!"
"But she's so gentle and quiet," Dora interposed, "and she has such bright, dark eyes and sleek brown hair."
"Just like a mouse, I suppose you mean," the doctor conducted, laughing; and they all joined in the merriment.
So Stella was happy and contented with her cousins, and grew up with them, sharing their interests, loved by all, and returning their affection with the warmth of a naturally loving and grateful heart. In that quiet household we will leave her to pass from childhood to womanhood, in the fear of the Lord and in the wisdom that cometh from above, in readiness for the future, with its responsibilities of wealth, to be employed, by the help of God, for good.