age of Scripture which tells of
the glories and bliss of heaven--of the inheritance of the saints in
light--the things which "eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither the
heart of man conceived"--the things that God hath prepared for them that
love him, for them "who have washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb."

CHAPTER IV.

"Never morning wore
To evening, but some heart did break."

TENNYSON.

Laura lingered at Newport for several weeks after the arrival of Lester
and Elsie at Crag Cottage; so that the brothers had abundance of time and
opportunity for private talks and business arrangements, and Evelyn to
practise the role of hostess.

When at last she did reach home, she was greatly shocked at the change in
her husband; and she heaped reproaches upon poor Evelyn for not giving
her more faithful reports of his condition.

"Mamma," said the little girl, "I did write you that he was getting
weaker and weaker; that he was no longer able to walk, or even drive out,
and had wakeful, restless nights. I thought you would certainly want to
come to him when you heard that. But don't worry; Dr. Taylor has changed
the medicine, and I hope he will soon be better now."

"No, he wont; he'll not live a month!" she exclaimed half angrily; then
glancing at Evelyn's pale, terror-stricken face, "Pshaw, child! don't be
frightened," she said; "I did not really mean it; I dare say we shall
have him about again in a few weeks."

"Mamma, what _do_ you _really_ think?" asked the little girl, clasping
her hands and gazing into her mother's face with a look of agonized
entreaty. "I know you believe in deceiving people sometimes when you
think it for their good, for I have heard you say so; but I want to know
the truth, even if it breaks my heart."

"I'm not a doctor, Evelyn," returned her mother coldly; "I can judge only
from appearances, which are as visible to you as to me. Besides, what is
the use of my giving my opinion, since you choose to believe I am capable
of intentionally deceiving you?"

With the last word she sailed from the room, leaving Evelyn alone in the
parlor, where the conversation had taken place.

Evelyn sat like one stunned by a heavy blow. Could it be that her father
was dying--the dear father who was all the world to her? Oh, what would
life be worth without him? how could she go on living? How soon would the
dread parting come? how many more days or hours might she spend i