frock.

From the folds of its girdle she drew the tinted paper, and opening
it she read: "Captain Atherton is to offer a prize to the boy or girl
who has highest rank at Christmas time. Try for it, and I believe that
you will obtain it. Will not that delight your dear father and mother?"

"I _will_ try!" she whispered, "and oh, if it is possible, I'll get
it, just to repay them for letting me have this lovely Winter. I wonder
if it is to be a medal!"

It was her first morning at the home of John Atherton, and as she
looked around the pretty chamber, she knew that she could be very happy
there.

She had enjoyed her stay at Sherwood Hall.

Now commenced another visit with dear Rose Atherton as her companion,
and Sprite wondered why such great good fortune had been given her.

Once she had been a dear little lass by the sea, with two loving
parents, but no playmates. Now, she had Princess Polly, and Rose,
beside ever so many little schoolmates, and she was being cared for
by Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood, and Captain Atherton, who had asked her to
call him, "Uncle John."

"I'm having so much pleasure," she whispered, "that I want to send
some down to the 'Mermaid's Cave.' I'll begin _to-day_ to work for the
prize!"