Faith is
going to feel our first separation as much as I shall myself."

Faith studied the daily newspapers diligently for a few days. "To
Rent" was always the subject.

"I do believe I have found the right thing at last," she announced to
baby one day, and she read aloud: "To rent at Maplewood, a cottage of
four rooms, convenient to street and steam cars, pleasantly located,
rent low." Another hurried consultation with the paper disclosed the
fact that a train for Maplewood left in an hour. Baby was put to
sleep to a hurried tune, and Faith had just time enough to reach the
train. Maplewood proved to be a pretty little suburb four miles out;
it was rather new, so that it seemed quite like being in the country.
Green fields and hills stretched away on either side, and the one
broad, quiet avenue was shaded with maples, grand old forest trees.
It looked like Paradise to Faith. She soon found the cottage, a
lovely nest of white and green glimmering through the trees, the
smooth lawn gay with daffodils and crocuses. Vines clambered over the
porch, and the sweet breath of lilies and violets distilled subtle
perfume on the spring air. She stood on the porch almost afraid to
ring, lest she should hear that the house was rented yesterday; but
no, it was to be had, and the nice old lady who owned it wanted to
rent it, and take up her abode with her daughter, was just as much
delighted as Faith. So eager and enthusiastic a tenant was not found
every day. The four pretty rooms--parlours, bedroom, dining-room, and
kitchen--exactly suited; a bargain was soon concluded, and Faith on
a homeward train, congratulating herself on the success of a part of
her plan.

Many visits were made during the next few days to furniture, carpet,
and china stores. One would have supposed, at the least, that Mrs.
Vincent was furnishing a hotel; but it is no easy matter to take fine
tastes and a small purse, and make both ends meet.

The purchases were all made at last, first and foremost the gasoline
stove; then the pretty light carpets, the matting, the neat
furniture, some cheap white muslin curtains for the windows, and a
small store of china. The young housekeeper bought carefully; there
was nothing for mere show, but when it was all arranged in the little
house, and Faith's pictures hung on the white walls, there was
nothing to be desired in the way of beauty or comfort--that is, in
the estimation of those most nearly concerned. Meanwhile