repaid seventy-times-seven.

"Helen is going to leave us soon. That is news," exclaimed Louise
Rutherford, glancing at the incorrigible Josie.

"But bad news," chimed in Marguerite.

"Not going home so soon, Helen," ventured Josie, with an earnest,
inquiring glance.

"I am only going to Fredericton, or the Celestial City, as it is
generally called," said the other in reply.

"Pardon me, Helen, but the manner in which you say that word only
would lead one to suppose you did not entertain a high opinion of
our seat of government. I have been there during several sessions,
and I always felt sorry when the time was up, and the M.P.P.'s and
their families turned their faces homeward."

The speaker was Louise Rutherford--her face aglow with an
enthusiasm, called up by those pleasing associations which gave rise
to her speech.

"Louise Rutherford," said Helen Rushton, the color mounting higher
in her cheeks, "you misinterpret my thoughts. If I have not
sufficient command of the powers of speech to express myself without
blunder, you should not attribute it to want of charity. Indeed,"
added the girl, with more than due emphasis, "if, for no other
reason, I should speak respectfully of the place, from the fact that
I have very dear friends there."