Muriel Halsie.

young—too young to remember her . Her marriage with Colonel—then Captain —Halsie had given great offence to her family , and after it very little intercourse was maintained between them—for Mrs . Halsie was too hi gh-spirited and

independent to solicit affection or kindness that was not given spontaneously . Idolizing her husband , the smallest slight offered to him cut her to the heart , and roused a spirit of haughty pride that was only kept slumbering bher naturall

y y amiable disposition and firm reli g ious princi ples . Much of her short married life had been spent abroad , principally in India , and it was during a return voyage from that country , for the benefit of her healththat she died . There had been

, three children . Merville Halsie , the only son , had been killed in the Indian Mutiny ; Christine , the eldest daughter , was married , and was in India with her husband , Captain Ferroll ; Muriel , her father ' s companion and favourite , was left almost

desolate by his sudden death . A short obituary notice in an obscure corner of the daily paper , a semi-military funeral , and the memory of Colonel Halsie passed from the minds of all save his sorrowing daughters . In their hearts loving memories raised an imperishable monument over which many a bitter tear was shed .

Muriel was not entirely without sympathy . Her mother ' s two sisters came to her immediately on receiving notice of the Colonel ' s sudden death , and they remained till after the funeral , giving the sorrowing girl such consolation as was in their power , but , as they had little love for their brother-in-law while living , their expressions of condolence were not of the warmest .

It was the evening of the funeral . Mrs . Stan der wick and Mrs . Rolf Haverill were sitting over the fire , consulting as to the best means of disposing of their orphan niece with the least possible expenditure of time , trouble , and money to themselves . Muriel was supposed to have retiredor

, their opinions might have been less freely expressed . "I cannot have her to live with me , sister , " said Mrs . Standerwick , a rich widow with one son and daughter . " You must see that for yourself . "

"Why ? " queried Mrs , Rolf Haverill , curtly . " Why 1 Do you think I am going to put such a temptation in Victor ' s way , or spoil Kate ' s chances in life by taking Muriel as an inmate of my house 1 No ,

indeed ! I do not mind having her for a week or two till she has had time to look out for a suitable situation , hut " " She is a pretty girl , " interrupted Mrs . Rolf , musingly—" much too pretty for a governess . I think I shall take her home

with me—she could make herself useful , I dare say , and would be a companion for Nellie . At all events the arrangement will do for the present . I clo not like to see my sister ' s child turned adrift on the world . "

" You always had peculiar notions , Jane , " exclaimed Mrs . Standerwick , impatiently . " How do you think Rolf will like the increased expense she will be to you 1 You forgot that he is not rich . " " I will risk the arrangement , and take

her home with me to-morrow . " " If you find Rolf does not like your plan , Jane , you may send her on to me for a week or two . In the meantime I will look out for some employment for her amongst my large circle of friends . I dare say I can manage it . "

'Thanks , aunt Mary—I will not trouble you / ' said a quiet voice ; and , trembling with indignation , Muriel stepped from behind the curtainsof the bow-window . The two ladies started ; Mrs . Rolf turned pale with annoyance—Mrs . Standerwick flushed scarlet .

"So you listened to our conversation , Muriel , did you 1 " said Mrs . Standerwick , who was the first to recover her equanimity . " Then there is no occasion for me to repeat my offers of assistance . Will you accept them 1 "

" Not on any account , aunt ! I would not for the world stand in the way of your son or daughter . We are strangers , and had better remain so , " replied Muriel , with bitter scorn .

"But you will come home with me , Muriel , will you not 1 '' asked Mrs . Rolf , hoping to conciliate her neice . "No , thank you , aunt Rolf ; I will be no burden on you—or any one else long , " added Muriel with a heavy sigh . " Pray what are you going to do then , Miss Fine-airs ? " was Mrs . Standerwick ' s