118 The Story of the Hamiltons.

you are concerned, been explained. Edith,
my love, kiss me. I am very sorry you should
have had so much to go through; and you, too,
Grace. I never could believe either of you
capable of such an action, though I must
confess circumstances somewhat staggered me
for a short time. However, all's well that
ends well We must try and forget the past
trouble as soon as we can. And here is
Lucy," she continued, drawing her towards
them, "though she has been sadly to blame,
we must forgive her now she has made so
full a confession; and I am sure, my dears,
you will treat her with all kindness, and
help her to do better in future."
 Grace, Edith, and Clara at once came for-
ward to kiss the penitent Lucy, who was
quite overpowered with such a turn in her
affairs; and she was taken upstairs to the
dressing-room by her reconciled friends, and
soon recovered her spirits under their gentle
management.
 What further happened the children never
knew, except that Hannah left that very day,
and Annie's father arrived on the following
Saturday to take her home to keep his house.
It was whispered among the girls that Annie
had given Hannah money to purchase the