nothing was done, and he spent his time as he chose. As the days passed on, and Jessie became better acquainted with him, she began to take an interest in him in spite of what she had overheard that day. She never spoke of that either to Mrs. Barker or any one else, and though she felt sometimes that she was wrong in thus hiding a secret which some day might bring trouble to the house, she shrank from interfering with Tom's affairs. She cherished this kindly regard for him, partly because he seemed lonely in the great house, as well as herself, and partly because of a nobility of nature, which showed itself despite his untutored roughness and unrefined manners.

And what of her ambitious hopes and high resolves? Apparently, all forgotten. This new life was altogether different from the one she had dreamed of and planned. She was left much to herself, for Mrs. Barker, seeing that she did not fall heartily into her schemes, ceased to urge her, and went on with her daily round of meetings, and associations, and societies, forgetting that there was now another young life beneath her roof, which needed some of the care and attention she was so ready to bestow upon outside objects. She gloried that it was to home missions and charities she was devoting her time, not realizing that those who are nearest should be attended to first of all, and that charity begins at home in the most emphatic sense of the term.

But Jessie still cherished in her heart the hope that some time it might be given to her to do something great and noble, though this desire took as yet no definite form or purpose. She was not content with this life, though she had plenty of time to go on with her studies and improve her mind; and she was glad her father's will left her at liberty to do what she pleased when she should come of age. She determined that then she would seek another sphere in which she might accomplish that which she daily told herself there was no chance of effecting here. If she had had any settled or definite aim, she would have attempted, even with these uncongenial surroundings, to carry it into effect; but it was the very vagueness of her ambition that kept her from making the attempt now. Often she would think of writing a book, for her talent in composition had been much praised at school; but, though she even made several beginnings, she lacked the patience and perseverance necessary to carry out her plan. With philanthropic designs she was fast becoming disgusted, for

in Mrs. Barker and some of her associates she had examples that they did not always proceed from the purest, noblest motives; and she wrongfully judged of all professed philanthropists from what she saw of them. What could it be that she might do? She still waited for her work to present itself, while week after week, and month after month slipped by, and she was no nearer it than at first.

She and Tom had grown to be great friends after a fashion, and she had almost forgotten the little episode to which she had unconsciously been a listener the day after she came to Kingston.

Her influence had effected a great change in one respect. Mrs. Barker at length yielded to her urgent entreaties, and allowed her to open the stately drawing-room; and Jessie had let in the sunshine as she had longed to do; had taken the coverings off the furniture, unveiled the pictures, and opened the piano which had not been used for years. Tom was attracted to the drawing-room by her singing, and this was the way their friendship began. She discovered that he had a good voice, and persuaded him to sing with her; and soon they got into the habit of spending many hours in this way. Then she lent him books, and they read together; and so, gradually, he came to spend more time at home. He softened in his manners, and paid more attention to his personal appearance.

Mrs. Barker did not give much heed to these changes; still she noticed them, and remarked to herself, "Nobody knows what might happen, if Tom were only a little older;" but the more cheerful aspect of the house did not tempt her to spend any more time at home, or lend her influence to make it still more pleasant. One afternoon late in the fall, Jessie sat on the veranda, wrapped in a scarlet shawl, for it was beginning to grow chilly. She had been reading, but her book lay upon her lap, and her eyes had a faraway look which plainly told that her thoughts were wandering. "Jessie," said Tom, suddenly, from behind her. She looked around.

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"Will it disturb you too much to have a little talk with me?" Certainly not," answered Jessie, looking into the boyish face, which wore an unusually troubled expression; and fancying he looked as if he wanted help, she asked, "Can I do anything for you ?”

“I think I am living an idle, useless life, Jessie," he said. "I

have thought so for a long time-ever since I knew you. Do you think I could earn two hundred dollars before the spring?"

This last question was very abrupt, and immediately there flashed into Jessie's mind the little scene she had witnessed behind the hedge.

"What do you want it for, Tom?" she asked.

"To pay a debt I owe," answered Tom; "don't speak of it to any one, please."

"That is a great deal for you to owe, Tom, and more, I am afraid, than you would be able to earn for a long time," she said.

Tom's countenance fell. He sat without speaking for some time, then said: "Well, it is all up with me now, I suppose, and I may go to the dogs as quickly as possible."

Jessie was troubled, for she very naturally conjectured it was a debt not very honorably contracted. She considered for a few moments, then said: "Tom, if you will tell me all about it, I will lend you two hundred dollars."

His whole aspect changed immediately. His face glowed, and his eyes lighted up with a joyful look, as he exclaimed:

"Can you? Will Will you? Oh! it would be such a load off my heart. Yes, I will tell you; though I am ashamed and mortified to have it to tell."

With eyes cast down he told the whole story: how he had got into bad company with unprincipled lads; how they had tempted him to gamble, and he had yielded to the temptation, and lost, not only all the ready money he had, but was in debt two hundred dollars; how he had not courage to tell his mother, and had made up his mind to run away; and how his creditors had offered to give him a year to pay it in; and he, hoping something would turn up in the meanwhile, had gladly seized this reprieve; then she had come, and in her sweet way, had taken an interest in the rough boy, which no one ever had done before; and gradually the influence of her sincere, earnest thoughtfulness for others had awakened in his mind a desire for something better than the lazy life he now lived. All this was told in an abrupt, hesitating way, and when he had finished he did not look up into her face, but still sat with his eyes cast down, and an expression of penitence and mortification.

Jessie was greatly moved. She knew there had been a change in Tom during the last few months, but in her humility, she had

not taken to herself the credit of it; and now here he was, telling her it was all owing to her. Just then Mrs. Barker came up the garden walk, flushed and tired, and carrying in her arms a huge parcel.

"There!" she exclaimed, "one more day's work is done. I am thankful I am not one of those useless creatures who have nothing to show for their labors. Ah! we must all give an account some day."

Jessie wondered if she considered her an idle, useless creature, and wondered what account Mrs. Barker would have to give for her son's soul. She went up stairs, and meeting Tom in the hall on her way down, slipped a roll.of bills into his hand.

He thanked her gratefully, and said, "I will pay you back every cent of this, Jessie; indeed I will!"

Tom kept his word. He found employment immediately, and labored diligently and earnestly, rising gradually to a more responsible position, and growing up to manhood honored and respected by all.

At the end of a year, Jessie went back to Viewton to make a visit. One year had wrought no outward change in her, but she had learned a lesson that it takes some people years, and some even a lifetime, to learn. She had learned that the true way to live and to do good is by doing the duty which lies the very nearest, and that she need not look out into the world to find some great thing to do, for every one's life-work lies at their very door. The words of the old pastor came vividly to her mind, and she was content with the place that had been assigned her, for she knew there was still work for her to do quietly and humbly.

Very precious to her was the meeting with old friends and teachers, and the re-visiting of scenes she had been associated with from childhood; and when she again set out for her new home, it was not with a heart full of longing to do some great thing. She thanked her Heavenly Father, not that He had gratified the ambitious yearnings of a year ago, not that her life had been as the great rushing steamer, but that she had been even as the little. fishing vessel that saved one man's life.