o apple trees."

"Yes,--the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
I used to think them," said Norman.

"And I, too," said Menie. "Whenever I think of the garden of Eden, I
fancy it like our garden at home."

"Your imagination is not very brilliant, if you can't get beyond _that_
for Paradise," said Arthur, laughing.

"Well, maybe not, but I always do think of it so. Oh! it was a bonny
place. I wish I could see it again."

"Well, you must be ready to go home with me, in a year or two," said
Norman. "You needna laugh, Graeme, I am going home as soon as I get
rich."

"In a year or two! you're nae blate!"

"Oh! we winna need a great fortune, to go home for a visit. We'll come
back again. It will be time enough to make our fortune then. So be
ready, Menie, when I come for you."

"Many a thing may happen, before a year or two," said Marian, gravely.

"Many a thing, indeed," said Graeme and Norman, in a breath. But while
Graeme gazed with sudden gravity into her sister's flushed face, Norman
added, laughingly.

"I shouldn't wonder but you would prefer another escort, before that
time comes. I say, Menie, did anybody ever tell you how bonny you are
growing?"

Menie laughed, softly.

"Oh! yes. Emily told me when she came home; and so did Harry. And you
have told me so yourself to-day, already."

"You vain fairy! and do you really think you're bonny?"

"Janet says, I'm like Aunt Marian, and she was bonnier even than mamma."

"Like Aunt Marian!" Graeme remembered Janet's words with a pang. But
she strove to put the thought from her; and with so many bright faces
round her, it was not difficult to do to-night. Surely if Marian were
ill, and in danger, the rest would see it too. And even Janet's anxiety
had been at rest for a while. Menie was better now. How merry she had
been with her brothers for the last few days. And though she seemed
very weary to-night, no wonder. So were they all. Even Rosie, the
tireless, was half asleep on Arthur's knee, and when all the pleasant
bustle was over, and they were settled down in their old quiet way, her
sister would be herself again. Nothing so terrible could be drawing
near, as the dread which Janet had startled herewith that day.

"Emily," said Harry, "why do you persist in going back to that horrid
school? Why don't you stay at home, and enjoy yourself?"

"I'm not going to any horrid school," said Emily.

"You can't make m