Presently a man and woman came up the stairs, and quietly took seats near the door. Helen then opened the Bible, to which her aunt pointed, and read the chapter which came in course. "Your mother was a sweet singer," remarked Mrs. Prescott, when she had finished. "I suppose you can sing?" "Yes, aunt." "Are you too weary to sing a psalm? It is a long time since I heard one. The book is near your hand on the little table." Selecting a simple tune, the young girl gained all hearts presently by her ready compliance, and the smile with which she said: "I shall be glad of some help." She commenced in a low tone, but soon, inspired by the sentiment of the hymn, she forgot the novelty of her position, and the room was filled with her clear sweet notes. From this time the singing of a hymn became part of the morning and evening service. "Christopher has carried your trunk to your chamber, Miss," explained Betsey, lighting a candle for the young lady. "I hope you will find everything to your mind. If not, I shall be proud to make it so." "I trust my niece will remember this is her home as long as we can persuade her to remain," remarked Mrs. Prescott, kindly. "Now good-night, dear. May your sleep be rendered sweeter by the thought that you have made your mother's friend very happy. Good-night, and may the good Father protect you." Helen lovingly returned the old lady's kiss, and then sought her chamber, but not her bed. Taking her portfolio from her trunk, she commenced a journal, which she had promised to send her teacher, as, in the first line, she blushingly termed him. "How fresh and lovely you look, my dear," began her aunt, the next morning. "Shall I make you vain by telling you so?" "I've heard a few remarks before, of that kind, in my life," Helen said, laughing merrily, "but really, this fine air is enough to make one fresh. I have been up since sunrise, and have visited every nook and corner of your farm, as Christopher calls it. I have seen the late chickens, and commenced an acquaintance with Hero. What a splendid fellow he is! And I've seen where the summer garden is, and admired the old trees, even enough to satisfy Christopher. Isn't he funny, with his little bows, and big words?" "And do you know that this farm, house and all, will be yours by and by? It is not my gift. I have a life-lease only. Your grandfather willed it to you when you received your grandmother's name." "I hope it will not come to me for a long, long time," was Helen's tearful reply. "I had much rather have 'you!'" An hour or two later the young girl had brought her sewing, some delicate trifles of lady's work and was sitting by her aunt when Mrs. Prescott said: "Now, my dear, tell me all about Mr. Frederic Knowles." Glancing quickly at her companion, an arch smile around the old lady's mouth sent the warm blood to beautify the young girl's cheeks. "You see, I know your secret, Helen." "It is no secret, aunt."