CIHM
Microfiche
Series
(Monographs)

ICMH

Collection de
microfiches
(monographies)

C0(

ma
th€
sig
ch(

Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques

This
Cec

10)

Technical and Bibliographic Notes Notes techniques et bibliographiques

The Institute has attempted to obtain the best orig.--,al
copy available for filming. Features of this copy which
may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of
the images m the reproduction, or which may
significantly change the usual method of filming are
checked below.

Coloured covers /
Couverture de couleur

! Covers damaged /
-I Couveriure endommagee

I Covers restored and/or laminated /
Couverture restauree et/ou pelliculee

I Cover title missing / Le litre de couverture manque

j I Coloured maps / Carles geographiques en couleur

I I Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black) /

Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire)

Coloured plates and/or illustrations /
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur

D
D

Bound with other material /
Relie avec d'autres documents

Only edition available /
Seule edition disponible

Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along
interior margin / La reliure serree peut causer de
I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge
interieure.

Blank leaves added during restorations may appear
within the text. Whenever possible, these have been
omitted from filming / II se peut que certames pages
blanches ajoutees lors a'une restauration
apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela etait
possible, ces pages n'ont pas ete filmees.

Additional comments /
Commentaires supplementaires:

L'lnstitut a microfilme le meillcur exemplaire qu'il Iji a
ete possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exem-
plaire qui sont peut-etre uniques du point de vue bibli-
ograpnique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite,
ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la metho-
de normalc de filmage sont indiques ci-dessous.

I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur
j I Pages damaged / Pages endommagees

Pages restored and/or laminated /
Pages restaurees et/ou pelliculees

I 1 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed /
LV-j' Pages decolorees, tachetees ou piquees

Pages detached / Pages detachees

Showthrough / Transparence

r~~l Quality of print vanes /

1-^^^— ■ Oualite inegale de I'lmpression

Includes supplementary material /
Comprend du materiel supplementai;e

Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips,
tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best
possible image / Les pages totalement ou
partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une
pelure, etc., ont ete filmees a nouveau de fagon a
obtenir la meilleure image possible.

Opposing pages with varying colouration or
discolourations are filmed twice to ensure the best
possible image / Les pages s'opposant ayant des
colorations variables ou des decolorations sont
filmees deux fois afin d'obtemr la meilleure image
possible.

This Item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below /

Ce document est filme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous.

lOx

14x

18x

22x

26x

30x

1
1

12x

16x

20x

24x

28x

32x

The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks
to the generosity of:

National Library of Canada

L'exemplaire filmi fut reproduit grace ^ la
g^n^rositd de:

Bibliotiiequ'* nationale du Canada

The images appearing here are the best quality
possible considering the condition and legibility
of the original copy and in keeping with the
filming contract specifications.

Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed
beginning with the front cover and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustrated impree-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, and ending on the last page with a printed
or illustrated impression.

The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol — «»- (meaning "CON-
TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.

Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included in one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diagrams illustrate the
method:

Les images suivantes ont ix6 reproduites avec le
plus grand soin. compte tenu de la condition et
de la nenet* de I'exemplaire film*, et en
conformit* avec les conditions du contrat de
fiimage.

Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en
papier est imprim^e sont filmis an commencant
par le premier plat et en terminant soit par !a
derniAre page qui compone une empreinte
d'impression ou d'il.'ustration, soit par le second
plat, selon le cas. Tcus les autres exemplaires
origmaux sont film*s en commenpant par la
premiAre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par
la derniAre page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.

Un des symboles suivants Bpparaitra sur la
derniAre image de chaque microficha. selon le
cas: le symbole — •» signifie "A SUIVRE ', le
symbole V signif?a "FIN".

Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent etre
filmis d des taux de reduction diff^rents.
Lorsque la document est trop grand pour etre
reproduit en un seul cliche, il est film6 d partir
de I'angle supirieur gauche, de gauche ^ droits.
et de haul en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'imagss nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants
illustrent la m^thode.

MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART

lANSi and ISO TEST CHART No. 2i

1.0

I.I

1.25

2.8
M

I 4

1.4

2.5
2.2

2.0

i.8

1.6

^ APPLIED irvHGE

Inc

'653 East Main Street

Rochester, New York 14609 U'^

:716) 482 ~OiOO-Phor,e

(^'6) 288 - 5989 - Fax

ttym

1^ ■ National Library Biblmtheque nai.onaie
m o' Canada du Canada

S\v\*l,,/

///,; , vU'^

Canada

7/ *'/' / < '^<'

^y^tr -^ ^^ ^^ f

/^^

JL^

r^.

X-

i^^- »- f ^V^sr^ < ^ ^ jp»#^ T ^

'•(.'iiii't n\Uf\\ ymi it. t.ikt tluiu fli.wn- awny, iii,.s.'«. '

/Vl.,lf>..y.. ■.(•(•.

Baff'S ;S

*s:7^

on,

THE MISSION OF THE DAFFODILS.

T;V

A. M. L. FARROW.

&Mih JUuotrationsf.

TOROXTO WILLAKD TllM'T Vl.i'O^UOJXY,
TOKONTO, t'AXADA.

NEW SERICS

SUNDAY SCllUOL RHWARDS.

/n attiadivt COT'ers, '•■Hh Llmtrat

ions.

CLAUDE'S VICTORY. Hv r-i.r.v \Wnr^m.

HUMP AND ALL J'-y C I.cm khakt Goudon.

THOSE TWO. Hy Kmhv T>iui.is-.

THE BOY MARTYR; ■ ■, Triumphs ,,f Faith.

LITTLE TED; ", Who Foiml the Most.

CHRISTIE'S GIFT. Hy f'"^ Amh .r of "Chick."

MANLY AND BRAVE; or. Holi<l.-», at l.|.hio„ I'.rk.

DAFF'S CORNER; ct, The Mi-sion of the Daflfadiii.

TWO LITTLE HELPERS. Hy H. i.tltuood.

LITTLE BRIGHT EYES. Uy A, Purrs.

DODY AND JOSS. I'-y Mrs. .St>m,i-v l.i sthi ..

THE ADVENTURES OF A SIXPENCE. l:y H. l: . i iv.uo».

1 99 ;

DAFF'S COIIXER;

OR.

THE MISSION OF TIIK DAITODILS.

CIIAI'TKU I.

FLOWKUS AND FACI-S.

P|T was >»ut only the brij^lit spring weather
which attracted Ehba Morton and lier
^ youngest sister Agnes into tlio country
lanes on the sunny March morning when our
story begins.

True, tlie sky was as blue as the southern sea,
not a cloud flecking tlui broad expanse of sapphire
and turquoise, anil tlie heat would iiave proved
almost oppressive but tor the vigorous east wind.
It blew across the valley w^ith just a spice of
winter sharpne.^s, to remind the flowers that the
suushiue in which they were revelling could not

Doffs Corner; or,

altogetliLT Ir: trusted, for tlic year Avas as yet in
its youth. Ovorlicad sang the larks in blitliesonie
joy, a:.J all around the young leaves' fresh r^ecn
gave promise of corning summer. .Vo Avonder tliat
on a sunsliiny slope at tlie foot of the Downs the
daffodils were 'dancing in the breeze.'

The field where they llourished, ' Daffs Corner'
ris it was called, was thus designated from its
crowning glory in the sweet spring-tide. Tiie
name seemed to have been handed down from
fatiier to son among the village folk ; and old
David King, at the cottage hard by, would tell
the chance iii<[uirer, with some throbbings of
ancestral pride, how he had often heard" his
grandfather say, "Daffs C\.rner have always
brought lu^k to DafFs Cottage"— the sjiecial
reason for such pros])erity being the underlying
fact, that a rioht of making a profit out of
the field rested with the tenant <.f the gabled
cottage, by p.-nnission of the l-rd of the manor,
in recognition of some signal sej-vice rendered
by a 'King' of former days. But now David
had oidy the memory of the past on which to
dwell; never more would the 'Cottage' own the
'Corner,' lor the estate had passed into strange
hands, and his thoughts were often embittered

The MUdnn of tic DafToiUls.

s VL't in
tjicsonie
>li grocii
(ler that

"viis the

ConuT'
rum its
■. The
■n from
\\\\ old
uld tell
in;^s (.f
rd liis
alwnys
special
oilvinnf

3Ut of

gabled
manor,
ndered
David
icli to
ivn the
trail iro
ittered

as he remembered the old days of independence.
Private sorrow too had helped to whiten his
hair and weaken his once sturdy frame ; still,
in his way, old David cor.ld appreciate the
btaiity of the morning, as standing at his door
supporting liis rheumatic limbs on two stout
sticks, his eyes roved over the liedge, along the
soft undulations of the Stjuth J)owns above,
stretching away for miles and miles in lone-
liness, save for a few scattered sheep here and
there, tiiriioi] out to nibble the short, crisp grass
at their own will.

Thf w.lcome sight of a neighbour coming up
thu road ] -roved, liowever, an irresistible attraction
to the old man, and hobbling to the l''tlc rustic
gate, which opened away from the fiuni on the
ojtposite side of the house, he and his ancient crony
Dan Milton were soon engi'osseil in discussin<«-
those rural matters dear to the countryman's heart.

In c«»ii'^tM|uence of this, David did not see a
pony-chaise approaclung by the other road, which
led to the village from the neighbouring town
of Geerham. It containeil the two girls above-
meution«jd, from whose lips burst delighted ex-
clamations as they caught sight of the flower-
bedeckud onjaduw. Very soon their baskets were

Da{f*s Corner; or.

filled to overllowing with golden clusters, and
then they strolled into a small copse higher up,
■where the ground was cushioned with moss, out
of which peeped tufts of early primroses. The
boy in charge of the hired chaise meanwhile
took advantage of their absence by snatcliin'^ up
all the flowers near at hand ; but his occupation
was suddenly interrupted as a burly policeman
strode across the grass, calliug out in stentorian
voice that he was trespassing on j)rivate property.
" And afore you go out of that gate, young man,
just drop them flowers : folks ain't a-going to do
as they likes s' long as I'm on duty, and Colonel
Borley he gives me orders to look up trespassers."

Having ejected one crestfallen delinquent, ho
must needs expel any others lurking on forbidden
ground. It gave him some extra and undesired
exercise to parade the length of the field, with
the hot sunshine scorching his red, round face,
ere he met and accosted the two innocent otfenders
emerging from the copse.

"Now, young ladies, as you're a-trespasslng,
the sooner you goes the better, and I'll just seo
you off the premises."

"We really did not know," began Ebba, with
ilushmg checks. " There is no board to be seen,

Thr m<i.<ion of ilic n>foiUIs.

and the gate was unfastened, and I am sure no
harni has been done by us."

"P'raps not, miss; but *bere is a board up
there " (apparently in the i;j; iStauce), " and people
as won't walk out has to give me names and
addresses, 'cording to tlie Colonel's orders."

"There is no need lor that," responded the
girl, as she walked with dignity, though with
figuratively milled plumes, towards the gate.
But she was not prepared I'or his parting shaft,
which struck home.

"Can't allow you to take them flowers away,
miss."

"Oh, that is too bad!" and " Ebba, it is a
shame!" commented the two girls. Certainly it
was a'i'Jfrn,vatin<jf, when they had driven Irom
Geerham on purpose; but as there seemed no
help fur it, the baskets were emptied with im-
petuous jerks, and away drove the trio, leaving
the policeman victor in the fray, anil the gathered
daffodils at his feet as trophies (jf the combat. A
sudden gust of wind swept along the field, and
the tlowers still left to grace the greensward
shook their heads with sorrow for their kin as
they shivered in the breeze. Were they indeed
of no use to any one nov* ? Had they no missioa

DdjJ s Corner ; or

;"" '""^ f !""'-' """ \V1"- b,i,l,t liven-

"lyct. J,„, 1„. j,„|iee„,,u,, all u.unin.lful, stoo,l
'""'"',."" ""-'S^''^'- ■' Wi.at wc.,.e ,lali;„lil., t.

■"■' J-«s,n,.el,eknc«.|,i.sn.|,tha„,nV,,,,,,,i.
J'H ili.y l.ad co.ue a,„l ^.„„e uiti, ,ad, s,„.,v,.,|

;";^ ^':"'- ■'^'"' '-■ 'l'« li''^ "f Ian. 1.3 „.„Mu't
''■" "■'■>' «>'^-0-Wy s|,„ul.l set .stnro by suel,
o-,„.„„ tlu.ys. Tl,e,n y„„„, Lilies-well, .nay-
bo he ,r,« rather hard .,„ ,|.e ,i||^, ,„,i,,,_ '

■-.h.erknow,, better ,l,o,,.|, ;,,„,,,,,,„, ;^^_

-ciar put out that ,„„n,i,,.-ne'er a place to call
lu. eun wheu the ,„i.ssu. ha^l ,.,- her cleaning

J on. l----n.l.tonpsettl,opatientestJ„b

<-"n,pyC;™nll,„rn'(,o ran the village title)
'';"' " l'-;rt; that wa. unde,n-able-b„t it wa
i'l'')i ban to <'et at i ;,„r I <■ i i ,

^ u u<^t at, ^, my defended by a .,tuut

•■"".'- oiolneml in,pertanee. S.unetin,,; tl,n„,d,
•-^.denny- sunbean, would find its v.av belaud
the deience, and then the cita.lel wa. ,vuu

A childless man bin.seli: no one .uspeeted hiu,
of a yearu.ng after the rosy-cheeked villa...

,''''''■"'■ "'"• ^* ' '•" -bolescono dread ot ti;

blue-eoaled ,l,yn,tary; but if he had a ..-eai-ne^.

TJif }[i.<-^i'yii of the DoffoiUJ^.

tliat their
lit iivcrv
Hour and
H'lil, stood
rtoilijs to
ii"ii) his
.succtfd-
rouldii't
by such
ell, iiiay-
Tlioy'd
\vns j)ar-
!o to call
clean incr
test Job
Iiorn : "
yt' title)
it was
;v fttout

tli(iUL;h

Ix'liitid

*■'! Iiiiii
villngo
of the

(as wlio has n.^t '() it was for tlicni, with all their
provoking impertinence and pranks behind his
broad back, which they vainly imagined shielded
them from sight. Therefore we need not wonder
at a smile breaking over his ruddy visage as he
heard a little voice at his side —

"Mr, Uruntliorn, I'm going away to-morrow,
and Mrs. Giunthorn told me you were in the lieid,
so I've come t(j sav irood-bvc."

"Well, Miss Nellie," said our friend, "you'll
be hearty welcome back again, though l)y th. n
maybe you'll be a grown young lady, and you
won't care for Nuthurst folks."

"Oh, ^Ir. Grunthorn," gravely responded tlie
small speaker, "I shall never forget anvbodv
here, anil I don't know what I shall do without
my dear old Guard," laying her hand caressingly
on the curly coat of the groat dog standing bv.
"I do wish I might take liim, but Aunt Judith
says he wouldn't be ha]»py in Lond-ui, and you
know I might lose Inm. She says I am to come
again soon, so I shan't be grown up after all."

Kellie Mayer had been on a visit of two months
at Downside Farm, with her Uncle atid Aunt
Benton; fever being j^'i'evalent in the London
suburb wh.crc she and her widowed mother lived.

J^".fs Corner; or,

"'■■II, ..,y,|..a,-,'-,,,j„i„„,,|,

'- --rpea by f„ii., ,, ,,,,, ,,. " "' -y

''--.; b::,; ;;;tr.''7 ''''■';■■' '^''-

''1' ''■ y- like, ,.,w,." '' ''"^ '"'•■' ''-"'

"'" l-^-^l'-issor, i„oit«l ,„oro„v,.,- i ,
t.v.s,.a«c.,.." "-'■" "■"■" ^'■^■^1«^--.^ and

'■^•S i^i^iT,,:::::^ r'-^ ^ ^^^ .»^y i.. c..,.

' "'--^t inoniin- saw her on,! fl

<i;t<io»liI.s on their M'nu + r , ^^'^'

A\-i 'M\i(i Kino- at DofT'c n *^

^^''•■'t .-^ 'inaintol.1 place it „4, p'rVs''-

••"'Slo of tl.o • Corner' if , "' '"■■"'

"'""• " '^'■'-■"'i-'J to nestle in ;

The Mission of the Daffodils.

''cr country
^'^y to sor-
tance.s nnd
'0 faithful
Gruii thorn
Mention,
claffo.h'ls?

nn, " ihoy

to gather
'<ln't take
thev will
^ck them

hat Iioro
' hv th(;

^^'i".^ and

in each
nd the
^Jo the
iiotlier,
-jtt.'ige.
'u\ an
' in a

bower of greenery; and the warm red of its roof
tiles harnioni/ed well with their growth of yellow
stone-crop; old-fashioned creepers mantled the
greyish walls, and the latticed windows, each with
its tiny muslin blind, were as bright as Mrs.
King's rubbing could make them. Peering in
through the one casement on the ground-floor,
old David might be seen, sitting by the fire in his
arm-chair, for the warmth was always grateful to
his aching bones, with the good wife near at hand
preparing their frugal fare. They were a fine old
couple even now ; though Daviil's tall form stooped
under the weight of many long years, and age
and sorrow had dimmed the brightness of Ruth's
dark eyes and frosted her glossy hair. It was close
upon fifty years since they had 'kept company*
in th(.' spring time of their vouth ; and now, hand-
in-hand as it were, th«y were nearing the Heavenly
Homo, which (dear as was their earthly dwelling)
David and Ruth could joyfully anticipate. To-
o-ether they had forded the deep Avaters of afHic-
tion in company with Oiu- Who knew evL-ry step of
the way, and He had k-d them safely through.
The iinjjress of grief was visible on each aged
brow, but had you asked them the ancient question,
"Is it well r' the cheertul response would have

boon given botirbrirr~i ]

••'ft lonn, TUy .st.tul" ■ "' ""^'''"'^ ' "'•" '
" \\'if«." bo-ar, tbo ow"",„,„ „,, ,, „

■""^'^ "'•■«- gouo r,.,„„ ,Ih. F "'''■'"'■'"'•

»ft'T tl,,. /|o„,.r.s." ' "'"''■""■"'o "P tbe fieiJs

'" ''''^^ I'n-'lo oMaT giHlH,o/ ''"'"'•'•"^^^^

J '"-■'■<-•, tlaTo, „„jtl,cr v„„ I,„ , ,
'-«% rejuinod 01,1 JJaW. , ,! ?' '^"' "^ ''<■

IH.Tvn't Ih; tlie i,n, , "'ly Ijoine. It

.ui..l tl,a., i,. """ ^'""^ '--. l^^ »e s,,a,a

'^'I'is was the sorrow wliiVI, |,„ , , ,

''•f-.I..WofI.ri,ei, "''"'^™-'"->

TJ'C M,'.<si>.n of (he DoiToiJlh.

fo : " rt is
•'; that I

-liat Wtih
cur Pri.s
tlio [ieJu's

^ iookcd

1 smile.
Ij.iek to
bit Jilve

-y-six, if

' these

lioiight

s me/'

s life,
lajbe,
'. It
'lan't

their
8iic
iass.

furemost in fun a . miscliicf among tlie villago
vonntrstors. litit underlying this exuberance of
animal life uere doeply-rooteil affections and a
tenacious attachment to friends ami home. Per-
liaps the fath.r and mother were not over-wise in
their treatment of this one darling; it is not an
uncommon failing among parents. They hoped
to keep her always with them, or at least near
enou'di to be the stay and comfort of their old
a.<^e ; and we can scarcely wonder that an invita-
tion for Pris to stay with David's widowed sister
in London should have been a little unwelrome.
The girl, somewhat fretted by parental restraints,
was wild with excitement; she went and re-
turnetl, but after that her thoughts were con-
tinually wandering away to the great city, so
diflereut in its surging life to the quiet, sleej)y
village of Nuthurst.

The visit was repeated, once and again, for how
could David disappoint and grieve his one sister
now that she was left alone to battle witli the
world, though not with poverty ? But each time
that he allowe<l his child to go, he solemnly gave
her in charge to her aunt, as a treasure to be
jealously guarded from harm; and M;s. Miller

was oiiiy

loO

d to h

bri;

.l.f

»i\."ii'r'(* Tt»

::l, 111 •_ II T

^uJjTs Curnrr ; or,

«'th i,cr, 8o tl,at sl,„ ,villi,,,ly gave tl,c r.,,,,!..,!
~e to he,. „n„l,o. She .li,M,e. best (^
- J.e e,„.,,,, .„ keep IViseilla b, he. .si,;"

" '-- !-■ »a,t „,,.,„ u,e,„, but he..e „f ,„,, ,
So W so ,ven-,ill one ,1„|1 Nove,„ber -hv

^^::^ ;::;i::r 2 \ -' - "-

to^lwivo the j;irl at h«,„o. '

The lo,lgers wore out, and poor Vm ln,I ,

rathor„.i.,erab,e ti„,e alone; soUentir';
ne,,hhonr askc,. her in to tea, .she .,,, ; ,

, '' /" °"' <^^I^''^-'-'b- as Jlrs. Grey's .son ..,„
''-Sl.ter were both at I,on,e. After t,'
y-'.., people eoa...,, an, pressed n'^;:
ix-ua,e, their visho,- ,„ ,, , J --

-terta,nn,ent ; an, wi.h fcw con.pLtio , ,"
acceded to the repeated soHeitations'of her e

' '; ^'"^ '^°°»'« y«'>'J be safe with „s ,,,,
...other don't n,in, „,e joing either"

But Pns ,i, net feel quite comfortable about
g-.; d,d the strildng of St. Martin^it!

The Mission of the Daffodils.

e rcMjuireil
't'st, as iixY
side.

licr front
and likod
'if coiirrfo

iber day,
ith liith-
ti to the
^iiipuUcd

5 Iiad a
-ir ncxt-
^va.s not
i'ni and
-a, tho
I over-
1 to an
".-^ J Vis
tVic-nd:?.
-T had
s, and

about

remind her tluit in the old cottage at this time
her parents would be reading their cvenin«'
portion and praying fo- the ahserit daughter!
If so, tliese unpalatable thoughts wore easik and
effectually silenced, and her uneasiness dispelled
by the unaccustomed scene before her, the lights
and dresses, the music and singing, and scarcely-
veiled theatrical effects. Pris went home to bed
in a wiiirl of bewildered excitement and strange
new desires. Of course she went again and again,
for the second step downhill follows so easily on
the first.

Mrs. :Miller. on lier return, expostulated witli
her in a mild way, and at last proposed she should
revisit Nuthurst; "she had been away nearly two
months, and it was (|uite time for her to go back."
The girl seemed out of sorts, alternately gay and
gloomy, and her aunt could not altogether make
lier out. But the niqht before the homewar.l
journey, when Dav:'d and Ruth were longingly
anticipating her coming, poor, silly, wilful Pris
disa])pcared from Anstey Terrace, and from that
day to this Nuthurst had never seen her fkce.
Where had she gone ?

Ah! this was not easy to say; but Joe Grey
and his Sister Kilty remembered that they had

I^i'JT' Cornrr, \

often .,« ,cod a tall, .ol,lie,-likc ,„au. pa,., |

'Zz "• '""^-^ "■"' "- ti„,v,,^,i ,.„,

»"cill^ • .« I,,,,,., r.tl,cr lalu (ikn, ,l,o
I-""', ,1. ,,. looki,,^ «„,,,^,, ,^^^1 ^«^ ^

tl..c.„dof„,„.,„i.l„..„„ea„„t...,. Mm.Miller

'ign^lLy 'Arthur ''IutcImII; saving .hat IVi,.

■■ '■ ,K'„j^ was the wWior's lawful wife, «„,! n,

•e *■"'"■• I her to assuin. tl,„ , 4,;.,,, j,, ,^,,,|„|^

■CT ,„arr,ag., ha,| entitled her, |,e considere,! it

be best that .ho »houh t c.n.e i„ eontact

^^ tl. her former ae.piaintanccs. Ihs. MMK-r's
latent e„er«y was roused : 'ao,|„ai„,a„ce.,'i,„l,.,..r,
"■l.en I,„ her own fathers o>vn .sister! „„d
pray, what does he call th.u,, I w„„.|,.rr JJut
there, least said is soone:,t n.ended. I ,I„„'t .,„„
po.e David w,ll ever forgive ,„e, hut I dare s'y
■t wd all cotne right son.e time or other. Pris
I'a^ Pen'y of sense (when she con.es to her
sen.se.s!), and perhaps after all it will turn out

well for her-though I don't say hut Mint .,1.0

■as heen underhand and deeeitful, and I have

to bear all the blame!" Would it 'eome ri-ht?'

A\ hat of the lengthened years of disappoint-

nieut, sorrow, and suspense?

i"n!i. |».'i8M ari.l

CIIAPTKR ir.

LINKS.

fcS*^^ ^^'« two o'clock train from the South

(.'<Mst teamed lazily iiit(^ the busy

LontJou tennimis, Nellie Slaver's ea'^er

little f;u;.' j^eered out in search of tlic niother who,

she well kj)('\v, was "sure to bo in time." Yes!

there she was, with a faint, excited flush on lier

pale cheeks; and in a iiiomont Nellie was in her

enfolding arms. The big porter close l)y smiled

as he saw the warm embrace, and lii eyes followed

the flower-laden child as they crossed t}i<^ crowded

platform. How fair and fresh look( d the golden

daffodils in the smoky atmosjdiere !

By the time they reached the house, Mrs.

Mayer had received all the messages Nellie could

remember, and had heard of all Iter country

delights. Children are always ])leasud with

change, so Nellie did not unfavourablv contrast

B 2

Ddjj's Corner; or,

the sobor-looking 'Young Ladies' Seminary,'
Avhicli was her lionie, with Downside Farm, where
just now tlie bright March siinsliine was streaniin<'-
in through tlie bow-windows, and the fanner had
returned from market and was taking his seat
at dinner. The same sunny gleams fell on Nellie's
curly hair, while she flew up the steps into the
hall; first, to jump into old Nanny's outstretched
arms, and then to hug the dingy white cat sitting
on the stairs.

" ^ly goodness gracious, Miss Nellie," ejaculated
Nanny, putting her insulted cap to rights, " why,
you have been and brought back a country posy
with you, and you do look well for sure ! There's
your ma now, site's been a-counting of the days
for your coming home, and the young ladies are all
a-wanting of you ; and for that matter, so be I."

"You dear old Nanny," bur.st out Nellie, with
another embrace ; " I have such a lot to tell you."

"Yes, yes, I dare say. Miss Nellie; but now
you had best take off your things and have yftiir
nice dinner. You've got it all to your two selves,
for it's ^liss Lakin's birthday, and Mrs. Lakin lias
taken all the young ladies to the ^'logical. Your
ma wouldn't hear of their putting it off for you."

For some years Mrs. Mayer had presided over

The Mission of the Daffodils.

a small midille-class girls' school ; by this means
she was enabled to keep up a comfortable home,
and at the same time to educate her own little
dau<diter. It was a boon to the child to have
the companionship of other girl.:; and as Mrs.
^Mayer exercised a firm, gentle influence over her
pupils, most of them were warmly attached to
her. The continual strain of school and house-
keeping was sometimes rather heavier than she
could have wished, so it was a real relief when
Nellie was invited to stay at Downside Farm.

After these visits, it is almost needless to say
that her larder materially benefited, and her
heart would throb with grateful pleasure as she
surveyed the good country fare, the proof of her
sister-in-law's thoughtful kindness. Even now,
Nanny was unloading the roomy farm-basket, and
overhauling butter and eggs and wholesome home-
made delicacies, besides more substantial provisions.

"Nellie, dear," said her mother, when they had
finished dinner, "you do not want to keejfj all
those flowers for us, I think ; suppose yoif take
a nice bunch to jSliss Gatby. She is sure to be
in this afternoon, and would like to s:^e yqu, I
know. She was inquiring on Sunday what day
you were coming home."

J^off's Corner; or^

Nellie's blue eyes sparkled; Miss Gatby was
tlio Idol of her juvenile admiration. Ever since
the child could read she had attended her Sunday
c ass. But the teacher's influence did not stop
there, it extended into the week; and many were
the loving errands in which Nellie was her con -
panion, thus unconsciously imbibing hc-r spirit of
real plnhtnthropy. Lisa Gatby found ioi.sure for
■such acts of i,ractical charity, though her <iays
were well occuj-iel with home duties; she bein-
her father's ri^.ht hand now that the invalid
mother was wholly laid aside from active life
Just look into the pretty room where she is
l^njoymg an hour's reading, you will not fon^et
her wnisome, expressive lace, shaded by soft
^vavy hair. Her brown eyes look honest and
true, and the firndy set lips tell of decision. As
Hugh, her twin brother, says, "Lisa docs every-
thing she means to do, and she means evcrythin^r
she does." °

This kind of character is not always the most
pleasant to deal with, but Lisa had early learned
the law of kindness from her mother's teaching
and exam})Io. °

When Nellie was ushere.l into the room you
^^^^5li^ --e tiiut the luierruiition was nut uu-

Tlic .Vission of the Daffodils.

•2n

welcome, bv the smile which flashed across Lisa's
face. '* Welcome home, little Nellie ! " was her
hri-ht greeting; and in a minute the child was
sittln- on her lap. recounting (for the third time
thMt d:>y) some of her recent d<.incs at Nuthui-st.
"And now," said Lisa, "you have cou-.e back to
help mcther, and learn as much as you can."

"Yes, Miss Lisa," gravely responded the little
girl. "I have missed you every Sunday," con-
I'inue.l Lisa, " for the chass did not seem the same
without my fidgety Two-Sl.m's: what did you do
with yourself on Sunday afternoon at Nuthurst ? "
«' Oil," said Nellie, "I used to learn my verses
first, those you marked for me in your letter, you
know; ar.d then, if it was tine, Aunt Judith let
me <ro and see old Mr. an-l ^Irs. King, and I used
to shig to them. But, Miss Lisa, whenever I sang
'The old, old story,' it nearly always made ^Mrs.
King wipe her eyes, and they both looked so sad."
"Perhaps it reminded them of something sor-
rowful," answered Lisa. " I think they are the
old people you told ine about, are they not, who
live in the funny little cottage by the field ? "

"Yes, Miss Li?a, and look at these flowers.
Thev came from that same field, really, and
mother said I migai, vim- juu ..^^...e.

Daff's Corner; or,

"I sljall bo very pleased to have them, dear,
if you can s]>are all tliese," said Nellie's teacher!
^'Thcy are splendid, and I know already what
I shall do with thein. You want to hear. I can
see. Well, to-morrow afternoon I am invited to
8t. Margaret's H«.spital, where Sister Maud, a
friend of mine, is living, and I shall take your
flowers to give the patients in her ward. They
Avil! like them so much, and I will be sure to tell
you what they say. Now, dear, I think mother
will be wanting her litcle girl, so run home as
fast as you can."

"Good-bye, my own darling ]\riss Lisa," and
off trotted Nellie, swinging l,er empty basket.

Si.ring brightness is not reliable; next day the
sun Avas sulkily invisible, and dark masses of
cloud obscured the grey sky. The wind had
veered round to the south-west; at Nutliurst,
it was

"blowing in anger from the distant sea,"

with an eerie sound of approaching storm. Here,
in London, it alternati.'ly moaned and raged, and
people hurried along the streets without Toitering
at the shop-windows. Sister Maud's little .sanctmu
was snug and cheerful enough, thouTlit Lisa

The Mmion of the Daffodils.

*^5

Oatby. as she received her friend's welcome and
was ^ensonced by her in a low ba.sket-cliair.
These two were friends of long standing; they
ha.l been schoolfellows of the constant sort, and
were firndy attached. A meeting between them
was now of rare occurrence, and possibly was
thp more highly prized in conseciuence. ISIaud
Havcombe looked upon St. Margaret's as her
l.ou.e, having lost both parents since her appomt-
inent to the ' Basil ' Ward ; and her only brother
beinr settled in Canada, she felt perfectly free to
take\ip this, which she instinctively knew to be
her life's work. She and Lisa were not of the
san.e mind on many points. Maud was a High
Church woman by early training and from personal
choice; but with her the Substance was more
than the Shadows, which, hr>wever, she believed
brought out in stronger relief the great truths
of the Revealed Word.

Lisa on the other hand, belonged to the
opposite extreme of the Established Church, but
both souls met at the One Centre of Light.

It w IS always an interest to Lisa when Maud
taUvLMl of her work and of the varying cases
continually passing in and out of her ward : some,
t,> ,,turn^ home in re-established health, others

Dcjfs Corner; or,

to join the quiet sleepers who would never know
more of eartlily joys and friefs.

" I li.ive lia.l several fresh patients in just
lately, Lisa; one interests me greatly, but yuu
will see what she is for yourself, when you dis-
tribute your flowers. I expect her time here will
be long and tedious, for the painful disease she
IS sufferin,-,r h\m\ appears to have been aggravated
by mental troub^^ She will not spc^il more
than is absolutely necessary, so that I know little
beyond "■ u- name. But will you like to go in at
once, before our early t(3a ? "

The 'Basil' Ward was lofty and spacious, with
long, narrow windows at either end. The wails
were coloured light blue, to which idtersecting
crimson lines gave a warm glow. Idlest of the
be<ls were full, for St. Margaret's was a well-
known and iavourite hospital.

As Maud and her friend paced along the centre,
weary eyes followed them and pale lips smiled a
response to 'Sister's' cheerful woii;ls—

" Miss Gatby is always a welcome visitor, is she
not, Patients ? I shall leave her here to be enter-
tained by you." And Mau.l retreated, calling an
under-nurse to follow her. Lisa began at onc°e to

move from betl to bed, speaking

never know

its in just
y, but yuu
-n you d is-
le here will
ili.sease slie
aggravated
peak more
know little
to go in at

cion?!, with
The walls
Itersectinir
3st of the
IS a well-
he centre,
i smiled a

tor, is she
be enter-
calliii<r an
sit once to
rvv kindly

A ^vhito, l..,gar.l In.e l-M.kM „,.. while U. v...n,ru. n««.d her
thiii hand to Uikv: the (liifruails.— 1'. -.'•

(li
1)1

ill
il
oi

a
li
h

(_'

The Mission of the DafodUs.

words as she gave her floral treasure?. To each
bunch she had affixed a sin.-dl oval card, bearing
a brief message from Holy Writ; and while she
distributed, a swift, silent plea ascended for
blessing on her work. One bed only remained
unvisitcd, but the occupant's face was hidden
beneath the clothes as Lisa approached and said
in her clear voice — " I hope you will like these
flowers ; do take them." No answer, so she tried
other tactics.

•' A little girl brought them from the country,
and I i»r<>mised she should liear how they were
liked. I shall be disappointed to have even one
loft on my hands, and yours is the last bed."

This time the appeal met with success. A
white, hnggard face lo(jked up, and the dark, sad
eyes rested for a m<)inent on Lisa's wliile the
woman raised her thin hand to take the dr^odils.
Midilenly a shrill cry of '.Mother! Mother!'
bivjivo the stillness of . the ward, and with con-
vulsive sobs she once more concealed her agitated
features. For an instant Lisa felt bewildered, till
she remembered the text she had fastened to the
flower-stalks ; then laying her cool hand upon the
slender fingers outside the coverlet, she said in low,
irentle tones—" Hush I I have 'i message for you."

Ihiff's Corner.

Tliu woman startcl aiul eiuleavourcd to restrain
hor grief, and Lisa went on-" As one whom Lis
mother coniforteth, so will I comfort you."

A ' great cahn ' seemed to fall on this j,er.
turbed, tcmi,est-tosscd spirit at the soothin.r
Bound, and Lisa ciuietiy rose to go; the sli^dft
rustle caught the woman's ears and she whispered
with ht-aving breast —

"Miss, please come again."
"Indeed I will," responded the girl.
It was a relief to find herself outside the war.l
mid beyond the gaze of so many eyes; she had
been sliglitly startled at what had happened, and
Avas anxious to tell her friend.

" I only hope," she said, " that it will not have
a bad elFect on the poor thing; you forgot to
pomt out to me your special case. Maudie, but
of course it is this same woman."

"Don't be uneasy, Lisa; most ])robably she
^vlIl feel i)hysically relieved after this mental
outburst. I will just go and see if she is quiet
she may need her soothing draught; in the mean-'
time I want you to read this letter from my
Canadian sister, and then give me your opinion
of my new relative."

CHAPTKIl III.

dirk's court.

• HE odours of Dirk's Court were by no
means conducive to the health or enjoy-
ment of its teenjing inhabitants ; thougli
for til'.' most part they were Uissi'ully unconscious
of its imperfections.

For instance, it was 'sweet* Home to Mrs.
Todtl, wliose favourite pastime it was to stand
at her door, watchin,^ lier hive of small Todds
as they revelled among heaps of rubbish, and
concocted mud or dust-pifS out of the gutter,
according to the material provided by the weather.
She would say — "The children thrived out of
doors in the fresh air!" and, "she wasn't like
some people" (with a jerk of her red elbow
towards the opposite houses), "she hoped she
knew what was good for 'em."

Perhaps had his wife really acted out her
tlieory, Isaac Todd might not so often have

I>i(ff's Corner; or,

fmiuented the ' BJno Dragon'; but did sho krioNV
what was best for her family ?

Airs. Dokoii opposite thought not; Iu)vvover
tho two ladies were not on terms of intimacv
and lier authority n.ay be questioned. That neaV
quiet little body looked out of place in the Court'
and she certainly felt so. when Mr. and Mrs T.dd
CMdivened the locality with their unamiable dis-
cussions. Dirk's Court was not her abode by
choice; she would gl.ulh have gone elsewhere
i'.td not her orphan neph../and niece been de-
pendent on her fur home and livelihood. So that
to make both ends meet, as low a rent as possible
was desirable. The two children, pale, spiritless
ittle creatures, went to the nearest school; and
between times, walked soberly hand-in-hand about
the streets, or made believe to play by the side
ot their aunt, occupied, as she always was. with
machine work. S'.e wos unwilling for them to
j<>'u the rough, ragged youngsters of the Court
i'» then- .iuarrelsome sports; and Mrs. Todd's
sarcastic comment was evoked by this peculiarity
oi her neighbour's. The gossips knew but little
of her; "she kept to herself." they said in rather
aggrieved tones ; so it caused no small stir amoncrst
them when they discovered she had a lodgei°-

)ut did she know

Th^- J/imon of ih, DaffcdiU.

n:J

;;;::;"' ;;: •"- '-^ "-y «o„. ...t;;::^;;:

'" '"■'"-'^''"' "'"1 "-^''-oly left the house A,

"- went „,, the parish ,l„ct,. ,e hirppot

::;! ■'■';' °"« ^ '-y »t the on,l „f the Z .^r

^Uu.t>va,snstoni.,he,,a„,Is..„.ewhatporploxod

Mr ii,b,so„s ,loor, into which the M,,,!,.,..

"\i"'"'' "'"' ""''" '"'-■■• --y. -no »i,r ,,

'"■K.vcr Hospital, but that was a. ossipi,.,,,,,,

::::\"-^'--M>.ovc..:he'st:^

,-^nct s, vhero she was to be for ...any long w.^fc^
ol sutroring aii,l languor. °

Spri,,,. ,ner..,l i,.to sum,„„, an,l now tho

,7;'" t;'^'-' --<-- f..„ on ,h,. ,,ot pa
""-■'Its- How seorchin<r it was on. .• ,1 l,

;ve.n.nt e coo, si.,e of ti,e streets people. it

-t or a .noment or two on a .loorstep the
-'' '-'fanly overcome her, an,l b..ide^ s, „

;=uo, lor a sharp pa„. thrillea tl.rou,..
" ' """ ""^ -^''"i"" ''er breath in gasps.

D'lJTs Corner; or,

"Was slie going to be ill? Oli ! wliat would
leconie of tlio cliildren ? But there, Low foolish
.she was to think of such a thing! She felt all
right now after the rest, and would go home
and get a cup of tea in a jilTy. Johnnie and
Susie would be watching for lier; how ])leased
they would be with the big slice of plum-cake
given her by the good-natured manageress at
the shop! They often liail a bit of somethincr
for a treat when jioor Mrs, Churchill was with
tiiem." ;Mrs. ])obson "wondered how slie was
getting on; perh.ips next Sunday she and the
chiklren might get as far as the Hospital; then
they would hear when she was likely to come
out."

Yes, there was Johnnie's puny little face pressed
against the window-pane, and as soon as she
entered the tiny room he began to chatter in his
shrill, childisli voice.

" We're goin' to have our treat a Thursday, and
teacher says we'll all ride ever so fur. and see the
daisies and tiic shceps. Susie and nie's aoin' to
bring you home some."

How willingly would the hard-working aunt
have joined in the prospective pleasure-trip, but
lime Was precious, and she must labour early

The Mission of iltc J)'ifo(?iI.^.

and late in order to iini.sh tlie gariueuts just
brought back, by a certain date.

Nevertbele.-s, she could share in the children's
delighted anticipations, which recalled her own
childdit'e, and they had c^uite a grand feast off
the i^lum-cake that afternoon. Kight closed over
the great city, and the suit darkness invited wuary
bodies to rest. How many among the millions
were kept awake by mental cares! One of that
countless multitude was to.ssing on her bed in St.
Margaret's Hospital.

Priscilla Churchill had so far recovered from
the severe operation she had undergone as to be
allowed to dress and slowly walk about the ward;
and the doctors gave her hope of a dismissal
before winter.

"Hope!" she thouoht. "That is somethint^ I
know little of. What have I to look for outside
these walls ? To be sure, Mrs. Dobson will welcome
me, and Johnnie and Susie will throw their little
arms round my neck ; but they know nothing
about my life and its wrong-doing. I cannot
bear the weight any longer ; I will tell all to iliss
Gatby ; she may help me, and perhaps will try to
find out if tki')/ are still . . ."

"Can't you get to sleep, Mrs. Churchill?"

C 2

Di'Jf's Comer; or,

softly asked tlie iii-ht nur.se. " lu so hut, no
wuii.ler! Tliuro, let me put you coinfurtuble, and
you <lriiik this i|L,^ht off." And a cui) of coolin*'
liiixtuic was held to the feverish lips. Mrs.
Churchill draidv and was refreshed; presently
sleep hovered above her tired eyes, and like a
weary child she sank into ileep, dreandess slumber,
^.'uthurst lay basking in the sultiy afteriKJou
.sunshine. Great cloud-shadows calmly tloated
over the still green Downs, and haidly a sound
could be heard save the (piiet lowing c^f Farmer
Benton's cows standing in the cool bn-ok beneath
the tiees and lazily Li.^hing their tails. Even
Guard found it too much exertion to stioll about
acconling to his wont, and stretched him.^clf out
full length upon the grass by the iront-door,
feebly thumping his tail, when his ([uick ears
caught the souml of a familiar footstep.

It had been splendid weather for the harvest,
and the fields were fast losing their golden crops.
All hands were busy; Mrs. Benton's lingers fairly
achcHl with ])reparing provisions for the harvest
supper, which was to take place in a day or two.
Just now she was taking breath, as it were, after
the morning's work. Her plump, roundabout
iigure comiortably filled the old rockiug-chuir;

Tlie M'lmnv of flir. DrffnfJih.

and as she sat at the open parlour window, tlie
murmur of bees among the climbing creej)* s
drowsily mingled with the hum of happy insects
and a faint rustle of rose-leaves — Inducinir her to
take a 'nap.' It might have been indefinitely pro-
longed, but she was roused by a cold, wet nose a(^ainst
lier outspread hand, and she awoke with a start.

" Bless the dog ! There, get away, Guard, and
let me go and see after Jane," and the good
woman bustled away to inspect the day's bakintr.
"They've turned out well, 'm, though I says it,"
was Jane's greeting; "and if the men eats all
them pies and cakes besides them other thin^^s, it's
their iusides as '11 be turned upside down." And
she suited the action to the word by turning out a
substantial cake and placing it on a plate to cool.

"Well, Jane, they know ])ost about that," re-
turned her mistress. " That smallest spice-loaf will
be just the thing to take to old Mrs. King, and I'll
go up with it this evening— she's been ailing of late."

" More shame to them as ought to look after
their aged parents, says I," put in Jane.

" Ah, you mean her dauglitor; but then, no one
knows if she's dead or alive."

"H'm!" snorted Jane; "I ain't forgot Pria
King; why, 'm, we had our Confirmation fp^cke '>^

if!

DcjJ's Corner; or,

the same piece, we \y^% that fViondly. Slio often
says to me, 'I shan't always stay in this place,
Jane, T wants to sec the world ; but there's no
f*jar I'll ever forget you, nor fixther and motlier.'
So, 'm, it's my firm liolicf she's a living woman,"
ill<»gically argued Mrs. JJonton's 'help.'

"I hope you're riglit, Jane, I'm sure; but do
be quick, the master'll be looking f(jr his tea before

you ve got it.

The sun was sotting like a giant ruby set in
flaming amber, as Mrs. B.-nr.ui slowly ascended
the little rise leading to D'.ffs Cottage. A
clear sky all round gave good hopes of the
continuance of fair wcatlier. The birds faintly
chirj)ed their evensong, and tired labourers were
jogging homewards on their cart-hoises. Women
stood at the cottage-doors, refreshing themselves
with tJic wndcome evi-ning breeze after the lono-,
weary day ; and many were the salutations given
and received by "^^rs. Benton.

Slio found David and his wife sitting in their
quaint little porch, where errant honeysuckle
sj)rays filled the atmosphere with fragrance.
David lose with old-fashioned courtesv as the
farmer's wife came up tlic pebbled path, and
fetched a chair for her which he placed outside.

The Mission of the Daffodils.

After lialf-an-liour's cliat, Mrs. Benton ro3c to
go, but she retracetl a few steps to tell the old
people she had received a letter from Nellie, full
of messages to her friends.

" And, David, she wants to know if you have
any roses on the large bush ; she wishes you wuuld
send her one in my next parcel."

" Sure enough, ma'am, the little miss shall have
some, anywhen you're sending."

" All right then, Jane shall run up to tell you,"
and Mrs. Benton hurried away.

The air was now deliciously reviving, and per-
fumed with sweet scents from the villagers' ir<'^rd*^n-
plots. The moon was rising, antl iu the twilight
the quiet hills stood out sharply defined. It was
a lovely pastoral scene, suggestive of calm and
holy musings. But from the village inn, as ^Mrs.
Benton passed by, came sounds at variance with
tlie evening's beauty ; noisy laughter and coarse
merriment, intermingled, alas! witli cpiarrclsome,
angry words. The words of Bishop Jleber's
hynm are, in a less degree, as sadly true of many
a spot in England as of any dark, degraded
heathen land —

**Tli'>ii';li every prn«])eot j)leaso<!,
Xwl only man is vile."

"'''i^V'c' '^

ClIAriER IV

THE LIFTED V

EIL,

^p;^LSA Gatby (]i(l not for-ot 1

icr promise to

again and j.nain, and was received with undis-

.^lie

•siek woman in tlie 'Jlu.sir ^an
made s])ecial efforts to visit 1

juised pleasure, altliouHi it

ppcared a difliculty

reserve in

at iast to break througli the veil of

which slie liad slu-ouded lierself. Afti^r a fe

commonplace remarks as to hw heahh, the

weatJier and so on, Lisa

I 1

once ventm-ed to say-

ioi)e you liave remembered the text I left
with you the first time I came. You seemed in
.such trouble that day, and at first I feared
might be owing to something I jiad said."

Mi.. Churchill liushed, and put her hand into
her pocket, (hawii-g from thence a bul

Jl)e. which she placed in Lisa's hand

ging enve-

ere, miss, o2)en that.

Tlic Mission of the UnifrdUs.

promise to

"^^'Ky. you liave ivally ko)»t tlio withered
daffodils I gave you!" said Lisa, <astonislied.
"Tlion thoy pleased you, I am sure."

"Your kindness did, miss, and as for tlie flowers
— perliaps you will scarcely believe tliat the last
time a daffodil was in my hand, was — when I was
a iiai>py girl at home— and oh ! the flowers and
the text brought it all before me, and mother and
father too."

The woinan's voice was thick and husky, and
broken with emotion, and Lisa noticed the other
patients looking at her with curious though not
unsympaihetic gaze; so she merely said, "I
think Sister will let ns go into her room if you
have anything more to tell me. It will be nicer
to feel alone."

They found that Maud was opportunely eno'afed
below, therefore the little room was their own for
the time being.

Lisa felt strangely drawn towards her now
acquaintance, wliom she pitied with all the warmth
of her large nature, as she watched the sad face
which bore unmistakable traces of pride, self-will,
and sorrow.

" Tell me all you want to say," she said ; " you
mav feel sure vour storv will be safe witli tup "

i)^#'s Corner; or,

ore

Our rcndors will l.uve probably assiimcl
tbis that the lifo-sto.y unr.,l.h.,l to Lisa wa.s
Monfical with that ..f the missinc. dan-hter
Prisc:;:.^ Kin-. All the details were not entered
upon; "for, miss," she said, "yoii know enoiK^h
to despise me. If I could only find out whether
n'y p.'or old parents are livin- they would
welcome me liome, I think, though I have be-
l.aved so undutifully," and hot tears furrowed her
cbeeks.

•' ^^rs. Churchill," answeml Lisa, " T am so sorry
<•>'• you. Don't think I 'd.spise' you, for are we
not ahke sinners in our Lord's sight ? "

She spoke witli Christian candour and delicate
A'llow-fceling, owning as sister the erring woman
at her side; she knew and felt—

"Christ's iiiiirk outwears tlie rankest blot."

After a slight pause Lisa continued—
" I believe too that you are sincerely desirous
to atone (as far as may be) for this wrong-doin--
but your husband — ?" ° °'

"He is beyond my reach, miss. A year aero
the news of his death reached me. He was kicked
by a vicious horse on a cattle-ranche in Texas,
and never recovered consciousness."

TliP, Mmion of the Dnfndih.

■' I wonder," ititcrposcd Li^a, " tliat you did not
.'it onco go to your old home."

" It was pride that stood in my way at first,
and then my illness hognn," ii swered Priscilla.
"You will readily understand, Miss Gatby, that
I was never received by my husband's family,
though I did my best to improve myself, and
beliave as he wished. His love for me cooled,
but he was not unjust; and before going to
America he settled a small sum on me sufficient
for my wants. So I am not penniless."

" You have not yet told mo where yviur parents
lived," said Lisa ; " I should be so glad to help
you in the matter, if I may talk it over with my
father."

" The name of the village is Nuthurst, near
Geerham, in Sussex — and my father's name is

Kin

A sudden thought flashed across Lisa's brain,
and her heart bent with pleasurable excitement,
"Surely she could add the missing link to Mrs.
Churchill's story — Nellie's old couple — their name
was King — tliey had had some sorrow . . ."
but she responded quietly —

" You are about leaving the hospital. I think

..,-., I ,-,r.i,l Tf \-r\\y \\r\\\ rri trp niP Vf^iir nrlilrncc T \m\\\

ii|

Driffa Corner,

or.

roMH,. an.l s.^e you. ..n.l I .d.uJl J.opo to be the
bearer of good news."

"It is a very po.>r place, miss," said Priscilla,
"but my landlady was formerly kitchen-maid to
my husband's mother, and I felt at liome with
her, being one of my own sort. I was glad too
to be of some help to her, for she works hard to
support herself and two orphan children left by
her brother. The address is 2t, Dirk's Court.
Perhaps you won.ler why I do not write to
Nuthurst myself; hut I felt I couldn't, miss,
having treated them so-and then, the shock
might be too much; that is. sui)posing thev are
living now. I'm sure I don't deserve to see them
again."

"We none of us 'deserve' anything that is

good," replied Lisa. "But you know it is said.

•My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither arc

your ways My ways, saith the Lord.' We 'deserved '

nothing at God's Hands, so He has given us

eternal life as His free gift. An<l if our Father

in heaven welcomes us to Himself, oh, how glad

your father on earth will l)e to take you home

again ! " So Lisa took leave of :\Irs. Churchill

with a warm liand-shake as they parted.

The latter did not write to apprise Mrs, Dobson

•' ily girl, viiu read for motljer and me tji-niglit, and wi 11

iuivf the • iJk

saaa —p. ou.

of hi

l.er 1

expo

stay

visit

mun

caus

not

occii

lior

left

of 1

wea

rat 1 1

alw;

eyes

hop

fare

Th(j

Dir

Lad

oft

prei

the

bea

Thr Mimm of f^ <" Daffodils.

of bur return to Dirk's Court ; she wislud to t;iko
lier by surprise and to give tbe cbildren an un-
expected pleasure. Once during ber lengtbened
stay at St. Margaret's tbey bad all paid bcr a
visit; but since tben tbere bad been no com-
munication between tbe friends. Tbis would bavo
caused Priscilla some little imeasiness bad slie
not known bow fully Mrs. Dob.-.on's days were
occupied, and tbat any brief time of respite found
ber often too tired to exert berself.

It wa.^ a dull autumn d;ty wlien Mrs. Cburcbill
left tbe bospital; sbe bad regained somewbat
of ber old elasticity of step, and altbougb still
weakly, bealtb glowed upon ber cbeek. Sbe was
ratber a stately-looking woman (Pris King bad
always carried berself well), and now ber dark
eyes, so like ber motber's, beamed witb tbe glad
bopo of future bappiness as sbe bade a grateful
farewell to Sister Maud and tbe ward nurses.
Tbe cab set her down at the narrow entrance to
Dirk's Court, wlience many months befor be
bad been carried a beli)less invalid. The a.>pect
of the place was as uninviting as ever, . tbe

present it was her place of abode, secluded from
the great world outside. Followed by the man
bearmg iier lew parcels, sne w»iK.cu oiuwi^ uiuiijj

J^i'ff's Corner; or.

the dirty pavement, thronged as usual by a crowd
of gnping children, till number 24 was reached.
The door was locked. Then Mrs. Dobson was
out, and Johnnie and Su.«<ie would be at play in
tlie tiny yard at the back, and had not heard her
knock. So dismissing the cabman she waito I a
little, and then rapped the duor again. Still no
res}innse.

Pcrh ps she could open the window and call.
Mrs. Dobson's customary short thick blind was
np, so she could not see into the room. The
fastening was undone, and therefore she could
easily raise the sash. How strange I The little
room was empty; what coukl be the reason?
Priscilla began to feel a kind of misgiving, and
gladly leaned against the wall to steady herself.
At this juncture, a neighbour appeared at her
door, and she at once recognized Priscilla.

" Well, to be sure, you be a stranger ; but law !
don't you know what's the matter ? iMrs. Dobson's
been dead and buried those three weeks, and
the children's took off to the House. There ! I
be sorry I've told you so (piick ; come into my
house, 'm, and sit down; you do look bad, sure : "
^[rs. Churchill mechanically f.>llowcd the ^mr-
ruluus, good-natured speaker; and as in a dream

The Jlfis'^ioTi. of the Daffodils.

■ a crowd
reached.
mm was
. play in
eard her
ivaitoi a
Still no

md call,
ind was
a. The
e Could
le little
reason ?
ng, and

herself.

at her

lit law !
*obson's
Ics, and
lere ! I
ito my
mre:"
le gar-
drcaiu

she caught sight of numerous spectators at doors
nnd windows, all agape with expectant curiosity,
for this was a most unlooked-for gratification
to the Dirk's Court gossips. They would have
(loarly liked to press into the dirty untidy room,
both to see and hear Mrs. ])ol)son's 'lodiicr.'

With .some trouble a dil.'ipiflated chair was cleared
and wijied over with Mrs. Watkins' ragged apron,
and then the voluble woman resumed her narrative.

" 'Twas just about this time, la.st Monday three
weeks — let me see — yes ! for I'd just come back
from work — I see Mrs. Dobson at her door, lookin*
(jueerish-like, and she says, ' Mrs. Watkins, I wish
you'd come in, I've got such a pain o' this side
(puttin' her hand on her heart, so), so I hurried
in wdien I'd just called across to Mr.s. Todd (as is
my cousin), and none too (piick, 'ni, for there she
was on the floor, and if you'll believe me, 'm, she
didn't live more nor ten minutes. I was that
flustered with the poor children a-cryin' and . . ."

"Would you mind getting me some water?"

interru])ted her listener. The .«;udden shock made

her faint, and the woman's loquacity disgusted

lier. Having taken a sip out of th-:^ cracked

teacup to prevent a repetition of Mrs. Watkins'

conversation, slie stdd —

JMJf's Cm^ncr ; or,

" riuase tell me where tlie children are, I should
not like to lose sight of them — and I left a box
Avhcn I went awny."

" It's at the baker's ; I'd have willing took it
in, but ^Irs. Scott's a sort o' relation, and in
course slie hod the most right."

"Thank you," said Priscilla, grasping at tliis
intelli'^'-ence. Now she could get awav from tlie
Court, and further news might doubtless be ob-
tained nt the shop.

" Tlie children, poor dears . . ." attempted Mrs.
Wat kins.

" I will liear all about them another time, I
think; I feel I cannot bear more just at present;
tiiauk you for giving me a rest," and Mrs. Churchill
contrived to leave. She had to run the gauntlet
of the onlookers, and what a relief it was to find
li(!rsclf beyond the Court ! Mrs. Todil immediately
made lier way across to the house she had vacated.

" Well, Mrs. Watkins, she might ha' been more
neighbour-like; but there! me and my man we
always said she were a proud, stuck-up piece o'
ooods. I'm sure 1 wouldn't siK-ak bad o' them
that's gone, but I do say Mrs. Dobsou might ha'
lu en livin' now, for all i knows, if she'd chose to
ha' told aotiiu on us what was the matter wiiii her.

, I should
eft a box

g: took it
i, and in

i_r at tliis

from tlie

S3 be ob-

pted Mrs.

• time, I
t present;
Churchill
J gauntlet
as to find
mediately
d vacated,
aeen more
r man wo
p piece o'
I <>' them
might ha'
il cliose to
Vtitii iier.

The Jfmion of the DaffiiUls.

My goodness ! I left the treacle on the tabic, and
there's that Bill been at it. Get out o' my sight,
or I'll fdve 'ee such a whackin' as never was ! " and
^Irs. Todd's portly person disappeared within her
own doorway.

The proprietress of the ' Home-made ' Bread
Bakery was a practical, bnsiness-like woman ; and
h'oiii her Prisciila heard what little there was to
tell about her friend's sad, sudtlcu death. It
seemed that of late she had ofti'!i complained of
pain at the heart, and Mrs. Scott at last prevailed
upon her to see a doctor.

Alas I it was too late ; she died the next day.
The parish authorities found no more money
in the house than was suthciunt to pay the rent;
an<l as it appeared that ^Irs. Dobson's next-of-
kin were in Australia (Mrs. Scot' i-oing only con-
nected by marriage), the twice -c • ^ !<aned childriu
were ])iaced in the Union. ^Irs. Scott good-
natiufiUy proposed to take Prisciila into her house
"till she could turn herself n'iin<l," and the offer
was gladly accepted. She felt confused and un-
norvfd, and thankfidlv laid down on the flock bed
to rest, if not to sleep.

Was not this a kiml of retribution ? She had

Yvilfuliy caot oii the iriunds oi ner caiiy years;

D 2

/(!

JDri ff's Corner ; or,

and now, all uncertain as to their fate, God had
bereft her of the one friend whose home she could
call her own. There might be no other open to her.
She was a younjr woman still. What if years of
loneliness were stretched out l)cfore her, in lonij,
unbroken vistas ? What if she were to live, an<l
die, in solitude? It was r»oor comfort that she
had enou'di money to su);j)!v her dailv inod.

Comfort! Ah! with one of those strange,
incomprehensible memory-Hashes, the word re-
called to her that 'message' which ^liss Gatby
had given with the daffodils. Once again the
holy words exerted their healing intiuence on her
bruised s})irit — "As one whom his mother com-
forti'th, so will I comf)rt you." And Priscilla's
hund)le, unspoken pleadings ascended up above
tlie noisy din of the great city into the ears of
"the God of all comfort."

The next morning Mrs. Churchill awoke re-
freshed, Ikt mental eciuilibrium restored. "What
was the first thing to be done ? " Mrs. Scott could
afford her temporary shelter, and as Miss Gatby
might communicate with her any day, she was
unwilliuij: to leave the locality.

How she desired an<l at the same time dreaded
to receive the promised visit ! Would its import

The Mission of the Daffodils.

iod had
le could
n to her.
years of
in loni^,
ive, and
:liat she
food,
strancfo,
;ord le-
s Gatby
l^nw the
: on her
cr coni-
riscilla'3
:) above
ears of

^'oke re-
" Wliat
itt could
s Gatby
she was

dreaded
; import

be sad or joyous ? Tlie critical moment was
nearer than she thought. Lisa was not one to let
the grass grow under her feet ; wliatsoever her
liand found to tlo, she did it ' with her might.'
After consultini; her father, she decided to write
to Mrs. Benton, whom, from Nellie's chatter and
Mrs. Mayer's description, she seemetl to know
almost personally. The kind-hearted farmer's
wife would rejoice m the joy of her old friends
David antl Ruth ; but she must be gently cautioned
not to break the good news too suddenly.

To come to the point, we will take the liberty
of looking over Lisa's shoulder, as with heightened
colour and kindling eyes she peruses a letter just
received from Downside Farm,

"Dear Miss Gatuy,

"It ixives me much ])leasure to inform
you that I have seen Mr. and Mrs. King; they
are willing and an.xious to take back their
dau'diter, as we felt sure would be the case.
They bore it better than I expected, though it
affected them deeply ; but old David saiil, ' Mother
and me, we've never give up praying, and we was
sure the answer would come somehow. It seems
to have put new life into Ruth, and I hope, for
Priscilla's sake, tlicy vvill live lor years, feiie

11;

5 J.

Dnffs Corner; or,

must come liome at once, for tlie old people say
lliey t;ilk iuul \\\\vM (jf notliing else. I «im sure
vou will li;iv..' your rewanl, dear Miss Gatby;
vou have be(;ii S(j ti uly kind, and they are most

grateful.

"I remain, 3'ours truly,

"Judith Benton."

So tliis was tlie result! As Lisa pondered the
chain of circumstances, she recognized "the un-
bounded might of ])rayer." Now to tell Priscilla I
No time was to be lost, and she arrang(;d to go
that afternoon, taking as her escort Mrs. (jatby's
staid attend:nit. She liad little dilHculty in tinl-
iu"- the object of her search, as the 'Court'
inhabitants were all aware that Mrs. Churchill
was at the baker's shop. There wo will leave
Lisa for the present, and meanwhile look in upon
our little friend Nellie.

That young lady had certainly begun the day
by uettiu"'- out of bed the wrong side; thin-s
woukl get lost, and everybody and everything
seemed' to be antagonistic. She had a s^ led
till' with her favourite school-frii'nd, Paisy Read,
and Iuul even called her a 'nasty, spiteful thing I'
Finally, her small troubles were dissolved in a
ilood of tears, uiid after that the tempest CiCarcd

The Misdon of the Duffudih.

Gatby ;

tllillLf.S

off, aivl tlic bivach was iiimle up over a stick of
barley-sugar.

By all which we can sec that Nellie was not
a 'perfect' child. She was occasi(.nally visited
by these April showers, and Lisa often talked to
her about her gusty tits of temper, whereupon
she would be very penitent and behave like a
lamb — till next time. Still, on the whole, Nellie
did justice to her kind teacher, and at homo she
was tlie life of the house. At tea-time that s .me
evening, when all the girls were dispersed to their
respective homes (for Mrs. Mayer received day-
pupils only), her mother held up a letter —

"Guess, Nellie, what is inside !"

"Oh, mother," responded the little girl, with
dilated eyes and long-drawn breath, " is it .some-
thing about me ? "

" Well, certainly a little girl is mentioned, but
then she is referred to as being a'y)od child,'"
♦•ravelv said her mother.

Nellie coloured and looked extremely sedate.

"I'm almost sure it is me. You see, I'm not

always naughty, mother ; I really am quite good

now.

" Then you must be right, for the letter is from
Nuthurst, and somebody wants somebody else

r.G

Luffs Corner.

(two soniuhodics iiuleed !) to spend Cliristn»a.s at
a doar old fann-liouso, where ..."

"Oil, niotlicr, I never, never will be cross
ngaiii,at least I don't think I will be ! " and Nfllio
tairlv danced about the room, causinir the tea-
things to clatter in sympathy.

"Sit down to your tea, little v/hirligig, and
don't spill it," admonished Mrs. Mayer. "Aunt
Judith thinks it will do us both trood to j-et
away from home for a thurougli cliange in the
holidays ; but, oh dear ! what about leaving
Nanny and puss ? " and Mrs. Mayer pretended
to draw a very long face. Nellie pondered.

"We couldn't take dear puss, 'cause Guard
wouldn't like her; and I don't think Nannv could
leave her cpiite alone . . ."

"I think I can settle it, Nellie. Suppose we
ask Nanny if she would like to invite her
nephew and his wife and the little girls for
Christmas ? "

"Yes, mother, and they could have my doll's
house to play with," joyfully answered Nellie.
" I do wish Christmas would come 1 "

CHAPTER V.

REUNION.

^iNCE again our attention is called to the
London station, where we witnessed
Nellie's meeting with her mother.
Then, it was spring; now it is late autumn,
and tlie early mornings are shai[) and frosty. A
train is just starting for a southern county, an<l
one of its passengers is taking leave of Lisa
Gatby. Needless to say it is Priscilla Churchill
on her way home !

" And you will be sure to write in a day or so,
Mrs. Churchill ? I shall be very anxious to hear. '
" Thank you, miss, and God bless you ! " was
the tearful response, and now the train moved,
and she was off. Past the "jumbled heap of
murky buildings;" then Hashing by thinly-housed
suburbs, with rows of small dwellings intersected
hu rnucrh Tilots of Laouud, thc fringe of London

Duff's Curntr; or,

* I

\l-

was loft bcliind, ami tho real country began. On
and on sped the imn lioix.-, ami uuw in tlie (lis-
taiicu rrisc'illa could see grey outlines of familiar
hills; soon sIk; was able to dic,tingui.sh white
chalky tracks winding n[) the green heights. On
the olh*'r side was the sea, and in an hour siie
wouKl reach the station, from whence the road
led straight ' Home ! '

"Geerhaui! Geerliam!" soun.led in her ears,
and with a start Friscilla realized tliat her journey
had come to an end. iMrs. Uenton was waiting
on the platform to welcome the stnmger. She
recogniz«'d the good faiia'-r's wife, though her
fi.-ure had become stout and matron'y, and
tin\e had streaked her hair with grey. Mrs.
Benton was not so sure about I'riscilla's identity;
she had last seen her a slim, fresh-looking girl of
seventeen. Could this indeed bo Pris ?— this tall,
handsome figure, who came forward to meet her
with outstretched hands, and tearful dark eyes?

" Dear Mrs. Benton !" All duubt was disi)elled
by the voice, and Priscilla's first welcome home
was of the heartiest.

" Bless you, my dear ! I am downright glad to
see yon. Now you go and get into the chaise while
I look alter the luggage,— one buX'-ail right."

TU MU^^ion of the. Dnffodih,

P,i.cilla Clmrcliill IVlt .l.m..i a gill »#.i» "^

s,,e an.l her kiu,l ln.u,l jog^o,! XMy aW,

tl„ ln..l.-roa.l bchin.! i^^ber ..M UoUy. XVuh

.0 lelicaoy ilrs. B.uton talko.l of evcryllMng

rl past, all «l.eaWo..t.ar,i.ciUa.U.o,,,>,s

W .iwellin, uu the country scenes nn,l ol.ject.

„ onnatheuM-i"''-;^ -'''■'-"•'' ''"^\;"'r:;:

,„„„, „,„! .lilatin, ,.n tl,e new resulents a
.'il,on,vlK.,,e,- a lar.e u.:u,si.,u recently erect.l
„,a, a; village. But as tl.ey "I'l--'-^ /^ ;
h„,.t Lull. «nanin.,>usly became s.lent. Pr.sclLi
s.t still, only Lev tigUtly-clasped fingers betraying

any inward agitatiDU.

Now the grey Novnian tower of the old cWh

shows an.ong the ehns; then the Reolo.y s
i.htecl; ho: familiar is the aspect of every-

"'uLemed only yesterday that she went prin>

rosin'- in the woods belonging to Barons Cour.,

lr.ere some girls leaning against th.s,,e

,,,ieh gave adn>ittance to the path (j"»t »^ ^"-•
used to do!)-bnt they were all strangers, and .he
herself was strange to her native place.

.. Now, mv <lear," br.ke in her silent companion
.. j.ou »recl"ose home; and see. there s father at

.•' .,- .,,..1 p,„.her waitli.'.; imiie the porch!

fhtjj'fi Cnitr; or,

ftiul mjhlu'd tens glistriitil in Mi >. i;.-i!:.,ir>< kind
t>yes. "You got down Imtc, mii.I. I'll drive uw to
B( ?i Wliite's; I sliall find liini in the sniithv,
and he will be sure to lot liis lad inn up and
lulj) with your box. Ts'..; I'm n(,t coming in
to-day, my dear, but you shall sc(^ me to-morrow,
ploa.s.' O.ul."

Ov(!r the solemn mooting and reunion of
Priscill and her parents let us drop a sacred
veil. Such moments are liallo\ve<l foretastes of
the ' rest ' that ' remainoth ' ; a ' stranger ' may not
'intornn (Mle ' with such 'joy.'

We may, however, take a glimpse at the cottage
and its innuites that evening when the fire-light
dickers through the window an<l lights up three
contented faces inside. David sits in his elbow-
chair on one .^ido of the lioarth, witli Ruth on
the other, and the restored daughter between the
t.vo. When she places the old brown JJible before
her father, ore they retire ;o rest, he lays liis
band on her shoulder and ."Speaks with thick
utterance —

"My girl, you read for mother and mo to-
night, and we'll have the 'Jilessing' Psalm — for
the good Lord have liad a Father's 'pity' on
us, and we'll thank Him in they words."

The Mimon of the Daff'^fih.

oil

Am.1 the silence of years is broken by Priscilla's
voice as she begins —

" ' Bless the Lf)r(l, O my soul : and all that is
^vitl'.in me, bless His holy name.'"

And now our story draws to a close as the
old year also noars the cud of its life ; and even
in the secluded vilhv^e —

"AVliat a Ptran'^'o life it wa- ! Oh, if llio story
Of uU it.s juys and sorrows couM be known,
IIow would dark shadows niin^din- with its ^lory,
K(jund its whole cour.-ii be thrown !"

It is Christmas Eve, and the bells arc ringings
the sweet sounds rise and fall with the swellinpj
of the soft night wind, earrying Au- v '^ssairo of
peace over the lonely hills, am - p mi ' down
the valley. David King and l-h v.\ie and
daucrhter are listening, and rriscilia says with

a smile —

"Mother, it is nice to hear our bolls again!
This time last year I was so miserable. I wanted
you both so badly, and yet I couhln't make up
my mind to humble mysjlf. Arthur never liked
the thcdght of my writing home, and I used to
feel as I'd made my be<l I must lay on it; and
perhaps while lie was with me I di<ln't care so
much. Sometimes I thought I'd try aud find

D"trs Corner; or.

f>nt Aunt Miller, not knowing: slio'd been p^one
these six years. To think, after all, it ^vas the
daffodils did it ! And they were Nuthnrst daffo-
dils too ! They seemed to break my heart, and
to bring you both right before my eyes. God
made the way easy for mc to come back, didn't
11(3 ? Ho sent ^[iss Gatby . . ."

"P)l(\ss lior, bless her!" interposed old David.

"She's been a-treading in the good Lfjrd's foot-
stci)s; and bless Him f)r it too!"

And Ruth looked up to the starl.'i sky, and
softly added ''Amen!"

At Dinvnside Farm there is a happy family
gathering. Nellie looks in Elysiutn, perched
upon a stool at her uncle's feet, with Guard close
at hand, and her mother is enjoying the holiday
rest and quiet.

The small presents have been duly prepared
by her little daughter, and they are to be given
the next da v.

Aunt Judith will also make the happy child
her almoner to several of the villauers, iucludintr
our old ac'iuaiutance, Grumpy Crunthorn and
his wile : and Nellie is full of pleasant anticipa-
tions on her own account. She knows there is

SOmetlillig ifUTii Jiiai j-isil fof hcT ill li.OtuCT S

The Missinn of the DaffocJih.

trunk, ana sundry pr..1>ol)iUtiL'3 dart into her mind
as to other possible gifts.

Meanwhile the ' happy hells' rin.i^ on.
Darkness broods over hill and dale, and the iron
grasp of winter is on the land; hut by-and-by
the buds will peep an I spring will sunnnon forth
the flowers. DatTodiU will reapiu'ar in 'Daffs
Corner; an<l forbidden childish hands will snatch
at the Lrnhlen beauties, f.>r Johnnio and Susie
Dobson^^re looking f.rwar.l to a home in that
mysterious region, * the country.
■ Priseilla has made up her mind to train and
t..nd the little orphans for her dead friend's sake.
Farther on, in the summer time, Li<a Oatby has
promised to accept Mrs. Benton's oft-repeated invit-
ation, and she hopes to accompany little Nelli-
on a visit to the Farm, so that old and new friends
anticipate a pleasant meeting.

The DaHodils' Mission is not yet ended. Its
results are expanding and widening still.
" Flowers preach to us if we will hear."

Priseilla h'Mrd and heeded thoir silent mes-
.a-e biddin ■• hor rt-turn to her forsaken home, an
earnest of that higher Call which will inllueuco
and sanctify her after life.

iii,i».iilrti lilflii

C>\.

DdJTs Corner.

This was the first link in the golden chain ; we
have glanced at a few other? :— now, farewell to
Nuthurst and its associations!

]^ut as we remember the spring-tide trensures
of 'Daffs Corner,' and recall tlieir fair array, their
innocent gaiety, and the sweet, unconscious in-
fhience tlirough which some hearts were made
'exceeding glad', surely the poet's words are
true of us; surely in responsive sympatliy, each

"lionrt with pleasure fills,
Anil (lance.-! with the duHodila."

THE E>'D.

)

•

1 ; we

jU to

•

? 11 res

their

s in-

ninde

are

)