ay."

In this case the absence was a short one, for in four years the mother
and daughter were together again. Mrs. Darling died on October 18th,
1848, and at the time of her death was seventy-four years old. The
money which had been collected for Grace had been invested, and at her
death the interest was paid to her father and mother, which greatly
added to their peace and comfort during their declining years. Mr.
Darling, the father of the heroine, and companion of her perils, lived
until the year 1865. He was fourteen years younger than his wife; and
when he died, on the 28th May, he was seventy-nine years old. After
the death of his wife he left the lighthouse, and went to reside at
Bamborough with his daughter.

Some thrilling and interesting stories are told of his youthful years.

When he was a little child, his father kept the Staple Island
lighthouse. It was built on the south, that being the highest part,
and it shared the fate of many other lighthouses, being carried away by
the sea. One day the grandfather of Grace, who was looking out, saw an
immense wave coming toward that part of the island where the house
stood, which he felt sure must overwhelm it. With great presence of
mind he rushed to his home, and hastily dragged his wife and child to a
safe place. A few moments afterward, the wave swept over the spot, and
completely carried away the lighthouse, and the home in which the
Darlings lived. Had this happened in the night, or had the wave come
unperceived, they must all have perished. As it was, they were without
shelter or food until they were seen from the shore, when relief was
sent to them.

William Darling had another narrow escape when he was about fourteen
years old. At that time his father kept the light on the Brownsman,
and the lighthouse was eighty feet high. The lad once went to the top
and fell, but, fortunately, was caught about half-way by a projecting
piece of wood. His father, having missed him, went to look for him,
and was startled to find him apparently dead. He was taken into the
house, however, and means were used for his restoration, which, after a
few hours, were successful.

"My times are in thy hand,
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee."

"My times are in thy hand,
Why should I doubt or fear?
A father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear."

William Darling afterwa