I don't mind you and Miss Anne, but I can't bear to have the girls looking at me,--and the servants." Then Miss Prettyman paused awhile, thinking what words of wisdom would be most appropriate in the present conjuncture.

But words of wisdom did not seem to come easily to her, having for the moment been banished by tenderness of heart.

"Come here, my love," she said at last.

"Come here, Grace." Slowly Grace got up from her seat and came round, and stood by Miss Prettyman's elbow.

Miss Prettyman pushed her chair a little back, and pushed herself a little forward, and stretching out one hand, placed her arm round Grace's waist, and with the other took hold of Grace's hand, and thus drew her down and kissed the girl's forehead and lips.