the grave, he married a third with whom he is now living. Esther's early
years having been spent with her grandmother, she very naturally became
grave and old-fashioned, without knowing how or why. Like all little
girls, she was remarkably susceptible to surrounding influences, and the
sedate manner and actions of the old lady made an early impression on
Esther that will cling to her through life.

In person Esther is of low stature and rather inclined to be stout; her
hair is curly, of a dark brown color, and is now short, reaching only to
her shoulders; her eyes are large and grey, with a bluish tinge, and an
earnest expression which seems to say, "why do you stare at me so; I can
not help it if I am not like other people." Her eye-brows and eye-lashes
are dark and well marked, that is to say, the lashes are long and the
eye-brows very distinct. Her face is what can be called round, with well
shaped features; she has remarkably handsome teeth, and a pale
complexion. Her hands and feet are small and well shaped, and although
inclined to be stout, she is fond of work, and is a great help to her
sister Olive, although she sometimes requires a little urging.

Although Esther is not possessed of the beauty that Jane is famous for,
still there is something earnest, honest and attractive about this
simple-hearted village maiden, that wins for her lots of friends of
about her own age; in fact, she is quite in demand among the little
children of the neighborhood also, who are ever ready to have a romp and
a game with _Ester_, as they all call her. The truth is, a great many of
the grown up inhabitants of the village call her _Ester_ also, dropping
the _h_ entirely, a habit common in Nova Scotia.

Esther's disposition is naturally mild and gentle. She can at times,
however, be very self-willed, and is bound to have her own way when her