a attended to the
rearranging of the furniture and decorating the rooms, while Clara
superintended the supplies for the table. The guests arrived a few
minutes after five. To Clara Herne's great surprise, the last guest to
arrive came in the form of Mrs. Harding. Clara Herne, in receiving her,
said: "What, Phebe, I am so glad you are able to come."

When they were all alone in the room where the ladies left their wraps
and hats, Clara said: "Do tell me, Phebe, what has made you so much
better, for after reading your note I had no idea of seeing you to-day."

"No more had I when I wrote the note," said Phebe. "But, Clara, have you
not heard? Did not Penloe or Stella tell you?"

"No," said Clara; "when I asked them how you were, Stella told me what
you said about your condition when she asked you how you were."

"Well, Clara, I will tell you," said Mrs. Harding. "Penloe and Stella
were with me about an hour. After they had been in the room with me
about ten minutes, they talked very little. About half an hour
afterwards such a sweet feeling of peace and rest came over me; all pain
had left me, and when they said 'good-bye,' I felt healed and I keep
feeling better all the time. Clara, my heart is full of joy and
gratitude to that man of God and his angel wife. What beautiful
countenances they have."

At half past five the company sat down at a long table which was
tastefully spread with viands and dainties to tempt the appetite of the
most fastidious epicure. Penloe sat on Clara's right, and Stella sat on
the left of Charles Herne. Four of Mr. Herne's men waited on the table;
so well did they perform this service that a stranger could not have
told them from professional waiters.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyed amidst mirth and laughter, wit and
humor, jokes and short stories, for the whole company were in the best
of spirits.

After supper some of the guests sat on the porch, others walked about
the grounds, and some played croquet. Among the invited guests were
Prof. French and wife, a couple who had been married about a year; they
were both professional musicians, living in San Francisco, and were
visiting their relatives, the King family, and they received an
invitation with the King family to the party.

Among those who were sitting on the porch were Mr. and Mrs. Bates. They
had always been very friendly with the Hernes and lived only about two
miles distant from them.

A little later in the evening the cr