THE NORTHOROFT LILIES.

to her mamma, and I don't think the Witham is
much of a river."
 Presently Mr. Layton said, "Now, Gertrude, look
 there."
 Oh, papa, how beautiful! What is it ?"
 What should it be but Lincoln and the cathe-
dral."
 Oh, mamma-Effie-do look! it's quite on a hill;
oh, it is beautiful, and so high, too "
 Yes," said the old gentleman, "c there is a tole-
rable view from that centre tower; I managed the
ascent once when I was young, but I shall not try
again, I think," and he laughed. "Lincoln is a
quaint old city, full of old gates and other anti-
quities," he added.
 "c Take me over the cathedral some day, papa."
 "Very likely I shall, if I see you happy and
contented."
 The view of the fine old cathedral, crowning so
grandly the hill which rises abruptly from the level
ground, rather moderated Gertrude's ideas about the
county, and her frame of mind became more hopeful.
 The old gentleman left them at Lincoln. The
Laytons were going about eighteen miles further, and
the short February day had merged into evening
before they reached Westcroft, which was a little
town distant from the village of Northcroft about
five miles.
 It was dark when they arrived at the Rectory.
Some of the rooms were ready, for cook and Jane
had been very busy that day and the day before; but
there would be plenty to do to-morrow, as Mr. Layton
remarked, when he kissed his tired children and
wished them good night.
 It poured with rain next morning when they