you have heard."

"But the other paper," persisted Dora. "Doesn't that say
anything?"

For a moment Eugenia hesitated, and then, deciding that no harm
could come of Dora's knowing of the money, provided she was kept
in ignorance of the object for which it was sent, she replied,
carelessly, "Oh that's nothing but a _check_. The old gentleman
was generous enough to send us a little money, which we need
badly enough."

There was not one particle of selfishness in Dora's disposition,
and without a thought or wish that any of the money should be
expended for herself, she replied, "Oh, I am so glad, for now Aunt
Sarah can have that shawl she has wanted so long, and Alice the
new merino."

Dear little Dora! she did not know why Eugenia's eyes so quickly
sought the floor, nor understand why her aunt's hand was laid upon
her head so caressingly. Neither did she know that Alice's sudden
movement towards the window was to hide the expression of her
face; but when, a few days afterwards, she was herself presented
with a handsome merino, which both Eugenia and Alice volunteered
to make, she thought there was not in Dunwood a happier child than
herself. In the little orphan's pathway there were a few sunny
spots, and that night when, by the old green trunk, she knelt her
down to pray, she asked of God that he would reward her aunts and
cousins according to their kindnesses done to her!