harvest. These friends were the Herberts, who lived
near Bamborough, in a pleasant farmstead, and it was them whom she was
expecting.

The joyous excitement of such a remarkable event, as the arrival of
guests, was enough to wake the heroine of the lighthouse early in the
morning. It was the first of August, and the day dawned brightly, the
sun looking like a mass of burnished gold. Grace rose and cast her
eyes anxiously over the sea. It was as calm as a lake, and looked as
if it might be trusted to bring her friends safely to her side. There
was plenty to do that day, for the lighthouse-home was to be set in
order, and everything made to look its best. Grace, therefore, was up
betimes, and busily at work in the rooms. But ever and anon she turned
her beautiful hazel eyes to the opposite shore, searching for an object
to appear like a speck upon the waters. Presently she saw what she
looked for, and her heart leaped for joy.

"Mother, mother, they are coming!"

"They cannot be here yet, though," said Mrs. Darling, who saw how far
away they were still.

"They will come rapidly, I know; for they are as anxious to be here as
I am to see them," said Grace.

Presently they had come over the glittering sea, and were near the
island. Handkerchiefs were waved then, and Grace went down to the
beach to greet them as they arrived.

They were her friends, Ellen and Mary Herbert, and their brothers,
Henry and George.

Grace had a warm welcome for the girls, and to the young men she held
her outstretched hand.

"Now, Grace," said George, laughingly, "why are you so partial? I have
as much right to a welcome as my sisters have," and with that he
stooped to kiss her.

"Now, George, I am afraid you have not improved."

"No, indeed; why should I! I have been good enough always. You are
not offended with me, are you, Grace?"

"With you? No, indeed! Whoever thought enough of George Herbert to be
offended with him!"

"Grace, you are incorrigible; and very much too hard on a poor fellow,
who has not the courage to take his own part."

Grace turned from the good-humoured and merry banter of the young man
to his more serious elder brother, who stood by his side, waiting for
her greeting. She held out her hand to him, and he took it, bowing
respectfully, but holding it warmly in a clasp that brought a deepened
colour to the cheeks of the lighthouse-girl.

"Come into the house; father and mother are waiting for