here is the money; I will pay the three francs, but the fourth I shall deduct, if you wish to do any more for me."

The maiden took the money with a sigh, and withdrew. This scene touched Marie very much; for the young woman, at first so cheerful, had now walked away with a with a troubled, mournful countenance. No doubt, the harsh words of Madame Bertin had grieved her more than the loss of the franc, and Marie could not understand how a lady so rich could act so mean and cruel.

But our poor little Savoyard girl herself was equally forced to experience this harsh treatment. She, poor thing, received scarcely enough of dry bread to appease her hunger, whilst the petted dog was fed upon every dainty. Every now and then she was reprimanded for not shewing enough attention to the little brute; and wearied with the bad usage she received, she was glad when night came, so that she might lament her sad destiny upon her bed of straw.

Thus passed over some weeks, when, by some accident, the dog became ill and died; and her mistress, in her lamentations for her pet, revenged herself upon poor Marie, and turned her out of doors.

It was a bitter cold night; and, shivering from its inclemency, the poor girl walked about, lamenting her unhappy lot, and seeking in vain for shelter. She crouched down on the step of a door, and finding there, by accident, an old straw mat, she wrapped herself up in it, and thus awaited the approach of morning. Alas! how dreadfully did she suffer the whole of that severe and freezing night! Morning at length appeared, and at that early hour, a young girl, with a basket in her hand, passed her hastily-" Ah, Mademoiselle

Manon! Mademoiselle Manon !" exclaimed poor Marie. The young person she thus challenged, was no other than the embroidress whom she had seen at Madame Bertin's. Attracted by her voice, the young woman turned round, and on seeing the poor creature in such affliction, almost dead with cold, she ran towards her, and said—" Good Heavens, Marie, what has brought you here in this sad state?"

"Oh! Mademoiselle Manon!" faltered Marie; "all night Manon stayed not a moment, but seizing her hand, helped her up, and supported her along towards her own home, where they soon arrived; and, ascending to the fifth floor, Manon opened a door, and led the suffering girl into a small but cheerful room. An elderly matron, who was busy with some needlework, raised her head as the door was opened, and exclaimed, in surprise, "Whom are you bringing there, Manon ?"

66

Only look, dear mother, look," replied her daughter, with emotion," at this poor little girl, almost frozen to death! I found her shivering at a street door, and have brought her home for shelter. She was with that Madame Bertin, for whom I work, you know, and who always deducts from my poor earnings."

The good matron immediately put aside her work, and soon got ready some hot tea and bread and butter, which she gave to the child, who now soon felt the beneficial effects of her kindness. She had now revived, and feeling much stronger, she related to her charitable friends all that had transpired since Manon had seen her at Madame Bertin's. During this time, the group was joined by two of Manon's little sisters, about the age of Marie; and as she went on

with her narrative, their sympathising little hearts gave vent to their emotions, and they exclaimed, every now and then : "Poor Marie!-to be turned out by that wicked woman in such a bitter, cold night!" Nor was there, in fact, of all the listening circle, one eye that remained unmoistened.

When the little Savoyard had ended, Manon put her arms round the neck of her good mother, and, kissing her, said"Dear mother, Providence has thrown this poor forsaken girl into our arms for protection--ought we not to do what we can for her? Besides, you know, this evening will be Christmas Eve, and that gives the circumstance a more sacred character!” "Why, dear Manon," replied her mother, smiling kindly, "you know we are already six in number."

"Oh, never mind that; I am sure you will let her stay with us: she is but a child, and will not require much; and she can help us at our work, and be useful in various ways."

Marie said not a word; she timidly and anxiously cast her eyes on the ground, not venturing to look up, when the two younger children took her by the hand, and led her to their parent.

"Then be it so! Come, my dear, forlorn child, if the Almighty's will has led you to us, He will also, be assured, grant us the means of supporting you," said the good woman generously.

It need not be said, how delighted Manon and her sisters were at this arrangement. The latter, especially, paid their new inmate the most affectionate attention; so that Marie was soon quite at home. "And," said they, "as this evening is Christmas eve, our dear godfather' will be here; and won't he be astonished, as well as Paul and Robert?"