_cold_ water; put in this fish-sound; fill up with boiling
water--there, that is enough. Now comes the third, and last stage.
Set the pot on the stove, and watch it; when it boils up the third
time, throw in a small cup full of cold water, and take it off to
settle. It is ready then for immediate use."

"Gracious! what an indefatigable, old-fashioned little thing you are,
May," said Helen, obeying her directions, and, after all, rather
enjoying the novelty of the thing, than otherwise. May's cheerful face
flitting about; the bright sunshine gushing in; the warmth of the room,
and the feeling that she had really done something useful, inspired her
with a healthful sentiment of enjoyment which she had never experienced
before. Breakfast was ready; the rolls were light, and nicely browned;
the coffee was clear and fragrant, and the idea of a good breakfast was
no mean consideration with Helen.

"My uncle has not yet returned from market, and we can run in and
arrange the sitting-room," said May.

And they flitted round, dusting, brushing, and polishing up, until they
were both as merry as crickets. The morning paper was opened, and
spread on the back of a chair to air; the cushioned arm-chair was
wheeled into its accustomed corner; and, just as every thing was
complete in their arrangements, Mr. Stillinghast came in. Helen was in
the hall when he came in with a well-filled basket on his arm.

"Shall I help to draw off your coat, sir?" she asked, timidly.

He looked up a moment, and she seemed such a vision of loveliness that
his cold, dull eye, opened and brightened with astonishment. It was