gentleman think I am a most perfect specimen of what a young lady
should be, saying, of course, an occasional good word for
_you!_ I believe I understand him tolerably well, and if in
the end I win, I pledge you my word that Dora shall not be
forgotten. Are you satisfied?"

Alice could not say yes, but she knew it was useless to reason
with her sister, so she remained silent; while a curious train of
thoughts passed through her mind, resulting at last in an
increased kindness of manner on her part towards her young cousin,
who was frequently relieved of duties which would otherwise have
detained her from school. And Dora's step grew lighter, and her
heart happier, as she thought that Alice at least cared for her
welfare.

On New Year's Day there came a letter from Uncle Nat, containing
the promised check, which Eugenia held up to view, while she read
the following brief lines:

"Many thanks to Eugenia for her kind and welcome letter, which I
may answer at some future time, when I have anything interesting
to say."

"Have you written to Uncle Nat, and did you tell him of me, or of
mother's letter?" exclaimed Dora, Who had been sitting unobserved
behind the stove, and who now sprang eagerly forward, while her
cheeks glowed with excitement.

Soon recovering her composure, Eugenia answered, "Yes, I wrote to
him, and of course, mentioned you with the rest of us. His answer