166 THE COUSINS.

After carefully considering the list, Lucy said,
“T think you talk best about the ‘ Pleasures of
Home,’ Cousin Mary; suppose you take that for
your subject ?”

“That was the very one I liked best,” said
Mary. Uncle and Aunt Lovett also, on being
consulted, thought this an excellent subject, and
so Mary’s choice was determined.

For the three or four weeks intervening between
this time and that appointed for Mrs. Butler’s
examination, all was excitement and preparation
on the part of her scholars; and Lucy sympa-
thized with the excitement, both on Mary’s ac-
count and because of the awakening of many
pleasant memories within herself. Pleasant as
the memories were, there was sadness attending
them, on account of their contrast with her pre-
sent situation. Her talents, her industry, and her
love of display had always made her the most
eager in her preparation for such examinations,
and the most joyful in her anticipation of their
results. The affliction which had obliged her to
relinquish her school had probably never been
more painful to her than now, that it detained