MILLIES VICTORY.

 never to go there again. Do you hear? Never!
 while you are dependent on me."
 Millie worked on in silence.
 Promise me you will never speak to them
 again."
 "No, Aunt Millicent."
 "You will not give me your promise?"
 "c If I did, I should break it, Aunt Millicent. I
will not promise. They are the best friends I have."
 You don't think of me as your friend, then-I,
who have fed and clothed you ? Of course, my feelings
are not to be considered in any way; but what can I
expect but ingratitude from your mother's child. You
are like her-ungrateful, deceitful, passionate."
 I have always tried to obey you, Aunt Millicent,"
Millie answered, striving to keep back the angry
words she longed to speak.
 Then obey me now."
 No, Aunt Millicent; I will not go to the Rectory,
but I shall not promise not to speak to them."
 "( You shall. Till you do you are a prisoner in this
house."
 Millie shrank back, too late to avoid the blow Miss
Conway, in passionate fury, struck her.
 "C You are a prisoner in this house, on bread and
water, young lady, till you give me your promise,"
she exclaimed as she left the room, locking the door
behind her.
 The evening of the following day Miss Conway and
her niece were together in the sitting-room, sewing in
silence, when a ring at the bell announced a visitor.
 "( Young Mr. Templeton wants to see Miss Millie,"
announced Betty.
 Tell Mr. Templeton," began Miss Conway, ad-
vancing to the door, but Reginald stepped forward.