MILLIE'S VICTORY.

 and soon she was out on the high road, fairly on her
 way to Ilsborough.
 A train to West Lyn started at twelve. Millie had
 taken her ticket, and was waiting on the platform,
 when some one touched her shoulder.
 "'Millicent, come home."
 Miss Conway, but so white, so strange, Millie
 turned pale with alarm.
 Don't go! Don't leave me! You may go to
the Rectory-you may, indeed. Don't go to Mrs. La
Serre's."
 "I am going to earn my living. I shall not be
dependent on you any longer. Aunt Millicent, let us
part friends. We have never loved each other; but
bid me Good-bye' in peace."
 "Never loved you? You mistake, Millicent.
Come home. Don't go to Mrs. La Serre's."
 Her gentle manner frightened Millie-it was so
unlike her aunt. She drew away from Miss Conway's
detaining hand.
 "Aunt Millicent, I am going to West Lyn. I
should have gone mad, if you had kept me prisoner
much longer."
 The train dashed up to the platform as she spoke.
Miss Conway followed her to the carriage door.
 You are going then, Millicent? "
 The tears sprang to Millie's eyes. It may be
wrong to leave you, aunt, when you have maintained
me so long, but I cannot stay at Branton."
 Go then. I wonder how much you hate me,
Millicent ? "
 I don't hate you. Oh I Aunt Millicent, I would
have loved you dearly, if you had let me."
 "You will hate me soon enough. Good-bye.
Shake hands now."