Muriel Halsie.

angry question ; while Mrs . Haverill added uneasily" I hope you will do nothing foolish . " " I am going to remain with the Rector ' s sister till I get a situation , " said Muriel , quietly . Finding that there was no use in

prolonging the conversation further , after a few more words the sisters proposed to retire , and then left the room together . " Oh , papa , papa 1 what shall I do without you 1 " sobbed Muriel , throwing herself on the sofa , and hiding her tear-stained face in its cushions . "Aunt Jane meant

to be kmd if she could , but I—oh , I shall never govern my proud spirit without you to help me ! Oh , if Christie were but here 1 India is so far ; and , besides , I could not go to them—they too are not rich ! No , Christie shall not know all—Christie shall not think that I suffer in going out into

the world a dependant—a servant . I know CaptainFerroll would say 'Come ' , — Christie would say ' Come '; but would it be right 1 They have only his pay—aud there is baby to think of . No ; it would not be right to go . I must work . Dear

Christie ! she shall never know how bitter is the cup I am drinking . I will keep my sorrows to myself ; they shall think I grieve only for papa . And I do grieve for him ! I want him more than I can express—I do—I do ! " The voice sank into a soft murmur , then ceased , Worn out with sorrow , Muriel Halsie had fallen into a dreamless

slumber . * # * * * * « Outside , a cold easterly wind made the trees tremble and quiver , shaking down showers of dead leaves with a mournful patter on the damp gravel walks ; overhead a leaden-hued sky cast a sombre

, cheerless gloom upon the sad earth . Inside , an elegant apartment , half study , half boudoir , with a thick velvet-pile carpet , rich velvet hangings to the windows , books and fancy work on the table , while about the room are scattered objects of dainty

uselessness , that tell of luxury and plenty . Before the fire stands a girl , waiting—a girl of nineteen , with a tall , graceful figure , her shapely little head crowned with rich masses of dark hair coiled simply round under her black bonnet ; her face is pale , the features are regular , their expression is sweet , but dignified . From her deep

contemplation of the fire she turned to greet an elegantly-dressed lady who had entered the room . "Miss Halsie , I presume ? " said the lady , bowing slightly , and drawing a chair towards the lire . "You have called in

answer to my note of yesterday , I suppose ? Do you bring any references with you 1 " " I have the addresses of two gentlemen who can , I think , give you every satisfaction with regard to my mental capabilities and respectability , " answered Muriel , with proud humility . " Should they not be

sufficient , Miss Morton " " Oh , they will be , I dare say , " interrupted the lady , with languid impatience . " About salary , Miss Halsie 1 There are three children to instruct . "

" ¦ Sixty pounds , " murmured Muriel . " Sixty ! I only gave madame Salique fifty . However , " she added , quickly , " it would be too much fatigue and trouble to me to extend my inquiries ; so we will consider the matter of salary settled . Will you oblige me with the addresses you

spoke of , that I may write to-night ? I will let you know my decision in the . course of the week . You can , come at any time , I suppose ? " " Whenever you wish , madam , " replied Miss Halsie , laying two cards on the table . " Now will you ring the bell , please ? Mr . Forbes will deem himself injured if I do not consult him . "

A servant answered the summons , and was sent in search of Mr . Forbes—a bright , cheery-looking old gentleman , whose kindly smile and pleasant greeting lessened the cold wei ght gathering round poor Muriel's heart . "My dear" he exclaimedturning to

, , his daughter-in-law — " my dear , Miss Halsie is standing ! " " Pray take a chair , " said Mrs . Forbes , languidly . " Grandpapa , " she continued , " this is the young lady who has applied for our vacant situation . "

"Well , does Miss Halsie meet your requirements , my dear , and does she think we shall satisfy hers ? " he asked , briskly . " The children are rather troublesome , I own , " said Mrs . Forbes , haughtily , not replying to the question put to her . " For ourselves , we should so little interfere with

Miss Halsie , or intrude in her apartments , that I really do not see what objections she can have to make . "