AUNT HARDING'S RETURN.

And now two more years had passed away, and the time when their aunt
Harding's return was looked for had come. They had talked of it all
through the winter; and when spring was over, and summer begun, the
happy tidings came that the ship had arrived in safety, and their
uncle and aunt Harding were on their way to visit them once more. I
will leave you to guess the joy that was felt by all; and you must
picture to yourself the pleasure of their meeting soon afterward: how
thankful all were that they were spared to behold each other again;
with uncle Harding's surprise at seeing two great girls instead of
little Louisa and Emma; and aunt Harding's smiles, and her hopes that
there would be found an equal improvement in matters of more
importance.

The morning after she came, when Mrs. Harding began to unpack her
boxes, Louisa and Emma caught sight of many pretty and curious things
which she told them were intended as presents for themselves. "But
before we proceed any further," said she, as the girls were beginning
to express their thanks and pleasure, "I wish to inquire about the
parting keepsake which I gave to you; and I should be glad to see how
each book has been treated, that I may know the real value which you
set upon the gift."

Louisa and Emma both ran to fulfill their aunt's desire. To speak the
truth, Louisa was now in hopes of having all the praise. She quickly
brought in her handsome Bible, still wrapped in the soft white paper,
and in all the gloss of newness: not a mark upon the rich purple
binding, not a speck upon the bright gilt leaves. Emma, too, brought