LENA GRAHAM

THE SLIPPERY ROCKS. See p. 53.

LENA GRAHAM

BY
CECILIA SELBY LOWNDES

AUTHOR OF
"LINFORD GREEN," "NEW HONOURS," ETC

LONDON
FREDERICK WARNE & Co.
AND NEW YORK

(All rights reserved)

Title page

CONTENTS.

1. AT AUNT MARY'S

2. THE ARRIVAL

3. THE PETITION

4. ON THE ROCKS

5. AUNTIE'S LETTER

6. LEAVING MEADENHAM

7. THE NEW HOUSE

8. MILLY'S NEW HAT

9. THE SPOILT FEATHER

10. AT SIDCOMBE

11. CONCLUSION

LENA GRAHAM.

CHAPTER I.

AT AUNT MARY'S.

"It does seem so strange not to know one's own Papa and Mama and sisters; does it not, Auntie?" remarked Lena Graham, leaning her arm on the mantelpiece as she spoke, and gazing thoughtfully at a photograph that stood there.

"You are not the only little girl in the world that has had, from one cause or another, to be separated from her parents, Lena dear," said her Aunt, looking up from her work to answer her little niece. "And I think you have been very happy with me, my pet," she continued.

In a moment Lena was beside her, saying, "Happy! oh yes, there never was such a good kind Auntie as you anywhere; but I cannot help wondering if they will love me. And"——

"Love you, Lena, your parents!" interrupted her Aunt.

"Not exactly that either, Auntie, for I know they do from their letters, but you know they have Milly and Lucy."

"And Aunt Mary has only her little Lena," said Miss Somerville, stroking back her niece's hair, and looking fondly at the young face lifted to hers. "You will be so happy altogether, dear, that you will wonder how you ever got on without companions of your own age."

"I mean to be so kind to them, Auntie, and lend them all my things, and help Milly with her lessons; for you know I am much older than she is."

"Only two years; and I fancy, from all I hear, that Milly is old for her age. She has seen more than my little girl, so I don't think you will find her so much younger in her ways than yourself."

"I am two years and five months older than she is," said Lena, who liked to have what she considered the full advantage.

"We shall know all about it very soon, for, if I am not much mistaken, there will be a letter to-night saying when they will arrive here."

Lena was too excited and impatient to settle down quietly that evening to either books or work; even the doll was neglected, which was not often the case, for Lena was devoted to this especial one, who was called after her two unknown sisters, "Millicent Lucy," as a special token of affection.

She wandered aimlessly about the room, now stopping to gaze at the photograph on the mantel-piece, and ask, for the hundredth time, "if it was really like," then to the window to peep out and wonder when the "postman would come," and if, when he did come, he would bring a letter from the expected travellers.

The photograph that engrossed so much of her thoughts and attention consisted of a group of four persons. Mrs. Graham was seated, holding little Lucy on her knee; at her feet, Milly was sitting on a stool; while Colonel Graham stood, leaning one arm on his wife's chair, and looking, Lena thought, very grave and a little bit