to talk of
them when they were over. Every one who knows anything of boys and
their ways, knows how proud and flattered they are by the attentions of
a girl who is older than themselves. And Grace was charming, for she
laid herself out for her brothers' pleasure. Long before they came
home, she invented little surprises, in the shape of puzzles, pictures,
and games. She knew that the most uncomfortable experience a boy can
have is to be left alone with nothing to do, and she took care that
nothing of this kind should spoil the holidays of the brothers. She
joined in all their play. She ran races with them--jumped with
them--sailed with them; and if they had not been too manly to cry, when
the parting time came, she would have cried with them most heartily.
They were golden days indeed for Grace when her brothers came home.

Nor was she scarcely less pleased when others, and strangers, paid a
visit to her home.

One day in September, 1832, Grace and her mother were watching the sky
and sea most anxiously. Mr. Darling had gone to North Sunderland,
having sailed thither in his trusty coble. They were now expecting his
return, and every five minutes seemed an hour while they waited. He
was not coming alone, for his eldest son was to accompany him. The
latter was at this time residing at Alnwick, but was always glad of an
opportunity to go home. The two who watched for them prayed as they
watched.

"I hope they will not be long, Grace. Is it not time they had
arrived?" asked Mrs. Darling.

"Scarcely yet, mother," replied Grace. "Do not be anxious, so many
things may have delayed them."

"But I feel sure that a storm is coming. Look at the waves out at
sea--how white they are; and every hour they are becoming more so."

"But I think they will be here before the storm comes."

"I hope they may. If not, I fear that they will not be able to come at
all to-night."

"There is time yet."

"But the sun is setting, Grace; already the twilight is here."

"Let us trust, mother. I think all will be well with them."

They stood looking towards the sea, and presently Grace saw that which
they were looking for.

"Here they come, mother; and there are two in the boat!"

"Where, Grace? Are you sure it is they?"

"Quite! Cannot you see them?"

"Oh yes, thank God; and they are coming very quickly. They will soon
be here."

"Let us go down to the beach to meet them."

Grace went joyfully down; and as th