MILLIE'S VICTORY.






 CHAPTER IX.

MILLIE'S new home was a very happy one. She found
plenty of occupation in teaching Charlie and helping
Mrs. La Serre in the house and garden; and as the
busy days flew by, lengthening into months and years,
her old bright smile came back, and the worn mournful
look left her face.
 She often heard from the Templetons-long letters
from the girls, full of the gossip of the village; but
they rarely mentioned Miss Conway. Mrs. Templeton
would write sometimes a short note; and Millie was
surprised to receive a long letter from her one morn-
ing, early in spring.
 After speaking of Millie's last letter, Mrs. Temple-
ton went on: Poor old Betty, Miss Conway's servant,
is dead. I know, dear Millie, you will be sorry to
hear this; you and Betty were good friends. Your
aunt has not taken another servant; she lives alone;
never going out or receiving any visitors. I saw her
at the window last week; she looks thirty years older
--so worn and haggard. Mr. Templeton has called to
see her; but it is of no avail. She will not speak to
him, or leave the house. I fear her health is fast
breaking down.
 "I have something else to tell you, dear Millie,
that will surprise you very much. Reginald is coming
to West Lyn as partner to Dr. Jermyn there; you
know him, I dare say."
 There was a good bit more in the letter, written in