able manner. You
will like to see the beautiful dome-shaped wigwam her people built for
us, with a divan all round, and the floor covered thickly with matting.
We felt quite like Indian princesses, when she escorted us into it. It
is divided by a curtain into two portions. The inner serves as our
bedroom, and the outer as our drawing-room. As there is space for a
fireplace in the centre, we agreed that we should not object to spend
the winter in it; while at the present season it is delightfully cool
and pleasant."

"Ah, but it is not equal to one of your comfortable houses," observed
Ashatea, who understood all that Lily said, and had, I found, improved
greatly in her knowledge of English, having spent a considerable time at
the settlement with Lily and Dora.

We had some distance to go, I found, before we could reach the spot
where Kepenau and his people were now encamped. The chief had, Lily
told me, spent several months there; and had, besides, made a tour with
our missionary friend, Martin Godfrey, for the purpose of being
instructed in gospel truth, which he was most anxious to impart to his
countrymen. The chief had, some time before, learned to read, and had
devoted all his attention to the study of the Scriptures, so that he was
well able to carry the gospel to others.

My uncles and aunt had been greatly grieved at my supposed loss, and it
had made them less contented with the settlement than they had before
been; Uncle Mark especially missed the assistance of Mike, though honest
Quambo had done his best to supply his place.

Various schemes were afloat for occupying fresh territory, far to the
westward. Some speculators had visited our settlement, and my uncles
had listened to their descriptions of the advantages to be gained with
far more interest than they might otherwise have done.

"I had hoped that we should remain where we are," said Lily. "I am
attached to the place, and should be content to spend the remainder of
my days here."

"You have not got over many of them as yet, Lily," I said, looking up in
her face.

"They may be many, in comparison with those which are to come," she
answered gravely, and I thought mournfully.

"I hope to see you grow into a dear old woman, like Aunt Hannah. I like
to think of the future, and I want my future to be happy. However, it
will be a long, long time before you grow old, Lily."

"I already feel old," she said; "or I did, at least, when they tol