"The hope of holiness," said Mr Riddell, "is an inspiration great enough to set against the greatness of the world's temptations." "Yes," said Amethyst, in full deep tones. "You see that light, follow it, and you shall have more," he said solemnly; then, with a change of tone to his usual simple and fatherly manner, he said--"Come and see Miss Riddell, and bring the girls with you. She will give you something to read up, or something to do-- something interesting, you know." Amethyst laughed a little, and gave his hand a grateful pressure. "Thank you," she said earnestly, and sped away. Mr Riddell looked after her, watching her quick and vigorous step. Then he took off his glasses and wiped them. "Poor Syl!" he said, as he turned away. "He must have much patience in seeking his Iris. She is in the distance--in the distance, as yet." CHAPTER THIRTY. "AYONT THE ISLE OF SKYE." "Cleverley Rectory. "August 3rd. "My dear Syl,-- "I found your letter very good reading. Thinking of you far away in Ultima Thule, in the scenes of that dearest of books to my youth, _The Pirate_, quite stirs my blood, and the Fitful Head and the Stones of Stennis come vividly into my mind. By the way, I hope you have `read' The Pirate. If not, I will send you a shilling copy, that you and Lucian may remedy the defects of your education. Here we have been seeing a great deal of the four Haredale girls, and lately something of their mother, who joined them a few days ago. Lady Haredale is a wonderful woman. She has nearly made me believe her to be the most unselfish of people by the cheerful, matter-of-course way in which she accepts their ruined condition. Lord Haredale is abroad. She and the two elder girls are to pay some visits, and then join him. Kattern and Tory are to be sent to their aunt at Silverfold. Miss Carisbrooke is still with her, and her part in all the strange story I don't understand. The girls are to go to classes at Saint Etheldred's School. Tory has brains; but I am afraid she will be a fish out of water. I should not myself like to have charge of Miss Kattern; nor indeed of Una, though she is an interesting creature, and might do well in good hands. Poor child, she is likely to be in very bad ones, I fear. She has taken a great fancy to Miss Waterhouse, my old friend, who has been having a holiday here from her work among the East London wild girls and women. Una seems never to tire of hearing of them, and has undertaken to sew for them. I hope she may keep up with anything so practical. As for Amethyst, your father calls her a fine, brave, _growing_ creature; but what a life lies before her! She has not half lived out her girlhood, in spite of all her troubles, and would be ready for all the wholesome interests and natural ambitions of clever, thoughtful girls. I have put her in the way of some