LUCILLA had triumphed, and did triumph, over all the obstacles that presented themselves in her way; and such was her power, that after a while she even succeeded in convincing little Rose Lake of the perfect reasonableness, and indeed necessity, of sacrificing herself to the public interests of the community. "As for enjoying it," Miss Marjoribanks said, "that is quite a different matter. Now and then perhaps for a minute one enjoys it; but that is not what I am thinking of. One owes something to one's fellowcreatures, you know; and if it made the evening go off well, I should not mind in the least to be hustled up in a corner and contradicted. To be sure, I don't remember that it ever happened to me; but then I have such luck-and you are such a tiny little soul, you dear little Rose. Not that I should like you to be any bigger," Lucilla added, contemplating that little specimen of her raw material with a certain complacency. "I like contrast, for my part; and I am sure I give you full leave to box the Archdeacon's ears next Thursday; or to tell him

VOL. XCVIII.-NO. DXCVII.

he does not know anything in the world about art," said Miss Marjoribanks, thoughtfully, with a new combination rising in her mind.

"Thank you, Lucilla," said Rose, "but I shall not come back again. I am much obliged to you. It does not do for people who have work to do. My time is all I have, and I cannot afford to waste it, especially

"My dear child," said Miss Marjoribanks," how are you ever to be an artist if you do not know life? That is just the very reason why you ought to go out into the world; and I don't see, for my part, that it matters whether it is pleasant or not. To practise scales all day long is anything but pleasant, but then one has to do it, you know. I don't blame you," said Lucilla, with tender condescension. "You are a dear little thing, and you don't know any better; but I went through Political Economy, and learnt all about that;-you don't think I choose it for the pleasure? But you all know what is the object of my life, and I hope I am not one to shrink from my duty,"

A