CHAPTER IX.
A SOFT spring day, such as is often met with
in early March, and which proves doubly
cheering, coming as it does in the midst of
many that are cold, dreary, and unenjoyable,
had just drawn to a close. Everything with-
out doors was enveloped in a thick white mist,
through which the mild pale rays of the
moon strove vainly to penetrate. Within
doors all was peaceful. Miss Campbell and
her pupils had retired to rest ; the inmates of
that house, at least, were oblivious to every-
thing external.
 Let us ascend and take a peep at our
friends, the Hamiltons! Gently, or you will
waken them. There, across the hall, up those
stairs, and through the first door on the right,
you will find them; here we are! Can you
see them? Yes. The night-light is just
enough to show you all you care to see.
Grace has her face partly turned away, her
dark hair almost hides its expression, but
you may know, by the regular breathing, she
is far from outward scenes and sights. And
this is Edith. Look, do you see the half