THE PREMIUM. 18.

which she returned to ler seat? Mary received
the portfolio, the prize in English History, and
it was pleasant to see the affectionate gratulation
with which she was hailed by Lucy on her return
to her seat beside her. But the last rewards
bestowed were those which seemed to excite
most anxiety in the pupils, and most interest in
the visitors. These were to be given to those
young ladies whose compositions had been pro-
nounced the best. ‘The names of the favoured
writers had been kept profoundly secret, and it
was only when the pieces to which the prize had
been awarded was read by one of the gentlemen
who had been appointed judges that the secret
was revealed. There were four classes in the ex-
ercise of this art, and for each of these classes a
premium had been provided. The colour might
have been seen to deepen on Mary Mowbray’s
cheeks, and her eyes to turn with an eager glance
to the reader, as he announced “the prize essay
of the third class.” As he began to read, Mary’s
eyes sank to the floor, and were not lifted again
till he had finished. The composition was hers.

Mary obeyed Mrs. Butler's summons to come