"Oh!"
The pretty flush which the pleasant news had brought to her face died away.
"Oh, no, Helen! I couldn't let Maurice sell Diamond only for me; that would be too selfish!"
"Dora, you must go! and—Maurice doesn't mind so much."
Dora smiled wistfully. "You don't know how fond he is of Diamond," she said.
This conversation was suddenly interrupted by a thundering knock at the front door; and, a few minutes later, a gentleman was ushered into the room.
"Father!" screamed Dora, springing forward.
And in another moment both children were locked in his arms.
What a happy evening that was! Captain Claire soon explained how the ship had been wrecked, and he, after being picked up, was ill for a long time. Then, since his recovery, he had been seeking his wife and children, for the old home was deserted. Soon, however, a happy party returned there again. Dora grew bright and strong, while Diamond and Ruby were greater pets than ever.
Catherine A. Morin.
(Aged 15¾.)