MILLIE'S VICTORY.

 She was thinking it over one bright spring after-
noon, while she was busy in the garden. Mrs. La
Serre and Charlie had gone for a walk, and Millie was
alone. She was planting some summer flowers in the
bed within the garden hedge, when a step on the path
outside made her start and tremble. It stopped at the
little white gate, and Millie took off her garden
gloves to shake hands with Reginald.
 "Millie still-or must it be Miss Churton' now ?"
he asked, holding her hand.
 Not' Miss Churton' to you, I hope, Reginald,"
she managed to say with tolerable composure. Your
mother wrote me that you were coming to West Lyn.
How are they all at the Rectory ?"
 Just as usual. They sent any number of mes-
sages. How bright and well you look, Millie."
 "I am very happy here," she said, blushing under
his earnest gaze. They walked up and down the gar-
den paths, talking nervous and unconnectedly, feeling
as if they had met to-day, instead of being old
friends. At last, Reginald said he must go, and
Millie walked with him to the gate under the lilacs.
 "I am sorry Charlie and Mrs. La Serre were
out," she said.
 "A re you; I'm not."
 But I want you to see my brother. He is such
a fine little fellow."
 I shall like to see him. When I do, may I claim
him as my brother too ? I haven't a brother, you.
know, Millie."
 If you like," she answered, laughing lightly.
 He looked down on her face, shaking the lilac
blossoms with his restless fingers.
 "You know you promised to be my sister years
ago. You are dearer to me than a sister now. Will