"Hope on, hope ever! though to-day be dark, GERALD MASSEY. Ir was a bright, cold, frosty day on which Judith arrayed Mabel to go down stairs for the first time. Though still pale and fragile, she appeared less like an invalid than she had done lately, wrapped in a warm mantle to protect her from the piercing cold, her loss of hair partially concealed under a little pink cap. She looked much more like the Mayflower of old times, when Judith opened the drawing-room door, and ushered her in. William and Dora were in the Hesketh, Frances, and Dudley. in consultation; tears stood on room with Mr. They were deep Dora's face, and Mr. Hesketh looked as if his head was aching. There was a pause as May entered, and a general movement to greet her, and place the sofa by the fireside for her to rest upon. All thought her looking better; there was more life in her eyes, and although she cast a wistful, longing glance around her, as though she felt it was all passing away, yet it was not a despairing look. Dudley leant over the back of the sofa, really happy to have her amongst them again, and Dora sat down on a low seat by her side, commenting on the faint pink colour, that was slowly returning to her cheek. She entreated them not to notice her, but to continue their conversation as before. “We are arranging about the future," said William. "There has been too much time lost already," remarked Mr. Hesketh. 'Something must be settled before you leave. Let me see what were we talking of? Oh! the Brownlows' cottage; what was your opinion about it ?” "I can only say 'bad is the best,'" replied William. "Of course it would be madness to rent another house while that is vacant; but I fancy it scarcely habitable." "Paint and paper will do a great deal,” said Mr. Hesketh; "and a gentleman is a gentleman anywhere. Frances is anxious that we should leave Peverstone, but I can't make up my mind to that." "What should we do without you ?" said Dora, to May. "Peverstone must be our home, for there is more hope of a business here than elsewhere, and it is much happier to live all together in the same place. Don't you think so ?" "Yes, I am for Peverstone," replied May, listening to what her father and brother were saying. Is it possible that your practice is worth nothing to you ?" asked Mr. Hesketh. "Hardly anything," replied William. "I am inclined to despair when I think of it. How am I ever to get a business again? I regret bitterly now that I should have so neglected it, but how could I have anticipated this ?" "You must give up your office, and tell your clients to come to you at Woodbank," continued Mr. Hesketh. "After a time, if they see you energetic and trustworthy, you may get others." William shook his head. "They have lost confidence in me, I am afraid, and when I think of those poor children at home, I don't know what the end will be." May felt Dora's tears fall on her hand, and she suddenly resolved to mention a plan which had been in her mind for some days, waiting for an opportunity of making itself known. 66 Papa! I have a secret-will you come and let me tell it you?" Mr. Hesketh smiled, and knelt by her side. Every one was sent out of hearing, and May whispered her secret in his ear. "We will see what William says," was the reply. Only think first, papa, whether you would like it." The answer was given in so low a voice, that only May could hear it. "I should like anything that would in any degree make up for the trouble I have brought upon my poor children.” He walked to the window, and considered for some time, and at last, turning quickly round, said, "What do you say, William ? Shall we begin business together in Peverstone, and see whether two heads are not better than one ?" "Really? was that what May proposed ?" "Yes; and I think I have sufficient law left in me to undertake it. We should, together, carry |