MILLIE'S VICTORY.

 In a moment more the train was out of the station,
rushing through pasture lands, and cornfields ripening
to harvest. Millie looked out on the changing land-
scape, wondering at her aunt's strange manner. Some-
thing beyond Millie's leaving her must have brought
that white startled look on her face.
 It was evening when Millie reached West Lyn.
Mrs. La Serre lived about a quarter of a mile from the
town, and when she opened the white gate by the
lilac-trees, stars were shining from the sky. She
walked swiftly up the path and rang. Without wait-
ing for an answer she opened the door and went into
the parlour, where a light was burning.
 "Mrs. La Serre, I am come."
 The old lady eagerly rose from her seat.
 My dear child, how glad I am to see you. Sit
down. Why, Millie, my dear, you are a woman. Five
years! five years ago How long it seems, and yet
how short. My child, my child, don't cry; aren't you
comforted yet, dear ?"
 All the old sorrow seemed to come back in that
familiar room. There her mother had bidden her
" good-bye," had kissed her for the last time.
 You must be terribly tired, my dear," said Mrs.
Le Serre, when Millie's tears had ceased a little.
" Come up and see Charlie, while Mary gets you some
tea. The darling he has only just gone to bed. He
is so fond of you, Millie."
 There was a quiet reproach in Mrs. La Serre's
manner, Millie understood as little as her words.
 Fond of me ? Who is Charlie, Mrs. La Serre ?"
 The old lady put the candle down, and stared at
Millie.
 "What do you mean, Millie ?
 Do I know CLhlie ?"