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its presence in that lovely nook, even whilst conscious that the services must of necessity be scanty and irregular, the clergyman crossing from Tresco at uncertain intervals, according to the state of wind and tide.

The curiosity of the young people was soon satisfied and as the ladies began to feel much fatigued, it was decided that they should at once rejoin their friends at Tresco. Within half an hour all were re-united, and each party had much to relate. Mabel and her five charges had a box of most beautiful shells, and she had promised to teach the collectors to form them into baskets and vases. Dr. Lawson and his troop of boys had visited Godolphin, the tiny capital of Tresco, with its pretty cottages, and small cruciform church. They had been also to New Grimsby, a wee fishing hamlet on the coast, whence they had gained a splendid view of Oliver's Castle, perched on the verge of a far-jutting promontory, and kept by the Government in excellent repair. Its historical associations, the good doctor added gaily, had not seemed to inspire Miss May Bird's pupils, whose enthusiasm was reserved for a mere fragment of ruined wall which, standing yet higher upon the hillside, marked the site of the last stronghold loyal to the name and fortunes of the Martyr King.

Mabel turned towards the boys with an approving smile, but her intended comments were drowned in the loud peal of a bell which called the party to an excellent repast spread for them in the Abbey Hall. It was a merry feast, and at its close the sun rapidly journeying westward, marked the hour of departure. The delighted, but now wearied children were once more consigned to their respective guardians, and while the autumn sunset yet burned richly in the west, the fleet of pleasure boats swept from the open sea, into the tranquil waves of Hugh Town Harbour.

CHAPTER IX.

"So you have really set your heart upon this Choral Christmas Service ?" asked the Vicar, as he met Mabel one morning in the hall, and smiled on seeing the pile of chant-books and music-folios with which she was laden.

"Certainly, uncle; we shall sing the Canticles and Psalms to Gregorian tones, and learn a simple Anthem, beside two appropriate hymns. I also mean to teach the children one of Helmore's Carols, and we are to make the choice this afternoon."

May Bird seemed in her element, and Mr. Harland's eye rested with satisfaction on the blooming youthful face.

"How does this famous Choir progress ?" he presently resumed, veiling real interest beneath playful scepticism. "I believe in its ultimate perfection, but remember, I have only listened to its humbler efforts in the church on Sunday."

“Well, uncle, I think we have really made most wonderful advances latterly. The voices now begin to blend so perfectly, and you will be delighted with some of our ancient airs in unison."

"May Bird does certainly idealize those blending voices," observed Lilian, who had joined the group. "She always has done so from childhood; I can recollect the time when she could scarcely listen unmoved to the full responses of a congregation."

"There is nothing even now that I love half so well," said Mabel earnestly, "but I must really stay no longer, for I wish to practise a new voluntary before the arrival of the children."

So saying she ran lightly down the steps, and crossing the Parade at a swift pace, soon reached the church, which was already open. Either her watch was slow, or the young choristers were premature in their attendance, for she found the sixteen boys and girls assembled in the spacious chancel, where the singers' seats were ranged stall-like against the walls.

Mabel would have liked much to try over an Agnus Dei of Lotti, which she had received only that morning by post, from Lucy Perran. She had passed half an hour over it at the piano, entranced by what she fancifully styled its architectural beauty, a not very lucid term, which signified in ordinary language, that the solemn strain almost verging upon a monotone, called up before her mental vision a dim vista of Cathedral aisles. She felt certain the air must be yet lovelier on the harmonium, and had quite counted upon reaching the church betimes. Yet after all it was a good sign that her pupils' interest should have led them to anticipate the hour of their lesson, and her greeting to them was the sweetest of all sunny welcomes.

Christmas was still many weeks distant, but the time for preparation did not much exceed that which was actually requisite. Meanwhile All Saints' Day was at hand, her uncle's favourite amongst the minor Festivals, and therefore to be duly celebrated. She should not attempt anything new except a single hymn, on that occasion, but she

meant by increased care to convince Lilian and Mr. Harland, that the musical culture of the school-children was both steady and progressive.

The main feature in that morning's practising however, was to be the Carol, and its choice was an affair of moment to the young enthusiast of Helmore's harmonies. Should it be "Gabriel's Message" with its quaint medieval imagery? That was perhaps too grave and too subdued, and she had met few persons who seemed to appreciate the unique colouring and structure in which her imagination revelled. "Earthly Friends," was the one Lilla loved best; its plaintive melody seemed framed for childish voices, and there was besides a charm in the symbolic Christmas garland interwoven with the lay: the Holly, emblematic of the Infant SAVIOUR's Sacrifice; the Laurel of the victory by which it should be crowned; the Bay Wreath of His Sovereignty over all things in Heaven and Earth. Then too the closing lines, both sisters felt, could scarcely be surpassed in depth and tenderness, enfolding the entire human race in one benign and fervid utterance of charity.

"JESUS CHRIST is born of Mary,

Born for all:

Well befall hearth and hall!

JESUS CHRIST is born at Christmas,

Born for all. Amen."

Mabel resolved to try a single verse alone before deciding, and her clear soprano notes rang unsupported through the church, when the door of the nave opened, and a gentleman advanced a few steps up the aisle, accompanied by a lady who seemed bent upon urging him to retire. "Nonsense, my dear!" he said in a peremptory although good-natured way. "Miss Mabel will be pleased to see you, I am sure." On hearing her own name, Mabel paused in the middle of a bar; desired the little ones to wait in silence, and faithful to her principles of reverence in church, gave her hand smilingly to Dr. Lawson while she led the way into the outer porch.

"Well, since one is allowed to speak here," said the Doctor looking half amused, "I wish to introduce to you my niece, Miss Beverley. Geraldine, you have heard about our neighbours at the Vicarage; this is Miss May Bird, and I quite advise you to make friends with her, for she is Sovereign Lady of these Scilly Isles."

The two girls laughed at this unceremonious introduction, but

there was real cordiality in Mabel's manner as she welcomed the young stranger, adding she knew Miss Beverley was soon expected at Content, but she had fancied not until the beginning of the following week.

"The cousins with whom I have been staying in Ireland, were called away to France at a few hours' notice," answered Geraldine, “so I took advantage of an escort to Penzance, knowing my aunt and uncle are at all times ready to receive me."

"Then you must have crossed last evening in the gale!" said Mabel, was not the passage an extremely stormy one?"

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"Very much so indeed," was the reply, "but my arrival home made full amends," and she turned a look of genuine affection on the relative whose weather-beaten countenance and abrupt speech, formed such a contrast to her own high-bred and gentle loveliness.

Of all personal attractions there was none which so completely fascinated Mabel as refinement, and that charm pervaded every accent, word and gesture of Miss Beverley. Artless and lady-like simplicity marked her entire bearing, combined with the graceful dignity and ease which seldom spring except from intercourse with polished circles. Firmness and gentleness seemed equally blended in the sweet colourless face, and the voice was to Mabel's ear, music itself, although she little knew how dear its every inflection was soon to become to her. It seemed so strange now to recall the vague indifference with which she had heard a short time previously that the Lawsons were expecting a niece from the South of Ireland to pass a twelvemonth at Content, until her missionary brother should be ready for her to preside over his home in India. The Doctor and his wife, although excellent kindhearted people, were so uncongenial to Mabel that she did not much fancy the idea of enlarging her acquaintance with the collateral branches of their family, and quietly determined that Miss Beverley's presence or absence could exert no possible influence over herself. Mrs. Lawson had indeed once said in an impassive way, "I think you will like Geraldine; she is so fond of sacred music," but as the good lady while professing the same taste, had little soul for anything beyond Anglican Chants of the most florid type, Mabel's opinion of her unknown friend had not been greatly modified. These memories now swept quick succession through her mind, as she stood face to face with their unconscious object.

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Soon Dr. Lawson hastily drew out his watch and asked abruptly,

"Have you any commands for S. Agnes? I am bound there now; shall I leave Geraldine with you, Miss May Bird? I should think it would need more than one wise head to keep order in such a troop of youngsters."

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May I remain and listen to the practising ?" pursued Miss Beverley, with a smile at once frank and persuasive. "I should not have intruded, only your sister called as I was leaving for a walk, and kindly urged my coming here to see whether I could induce you to return with me for the remainder of the day, according to Aunt Isabel's request."

Mabel accepted Mrs. Lawson's invitation with an eagerness which rather entertained the Doctor, who however was accustomed to view any tribute of respect or admiration paid to Geraldine in the light of a direct compliment to himself.

"How I should like to join the party!" he said in a tone half jest, half earnest, "but I am under sentence of exile; I shall not be seen in Hugh Town for the next twenty-four hours."

"I wish you were not obliged to go," said Mabel with sincerity. "The swell caused by yesterday's tempest has not yet subsided. Can you not wait until to-morrow, or is the case very urgent ?"

"O! as for that," rejoined the Doctor lightly, "there are one or two old fishermen who might as well be looked after if I can spare the time from hunting out your sea-grasses, Miss May Bird. Patients are well enough in their own way, but if they choose to get into a fever, they cannot expect the cause of natural science in Scillonia should be retarded, can they, Lady Geraldine? Come, put aside the magic mysteries of your namesake, and give honest folk a plain straightforward answer."

"I well know how you regard the sick," said Geraldine with an affectionate playfulness which deepened into reverence as she spoke. "Aunt Isabel has told me of those rude and dangerous mid-winter voyages made by the one physician of the Archipelago when he seemed equally needed on every island of the group."

"Well, then you must conclude either that your Aunt Isabel has not outlived girlish romance, or else that the old doctor is better than his creed. What do you think, Miss May Bird? Is the latter supposition likely ?”

"It would at least be no uncommon case," said Mabel; "but," she added energetically, "I am sure few notions could be more mistaken. How can people possibly be good for anything if they have no standard of right excepting one which is below their actual practice ?"

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