od. Leonardo's whole life was given to the
study of mankind's innermost emotions. Correggio was no deep student of
human nature.

"When you go to Paris and see _Mona Lisa_, you will understand me
better," he said in conclusion.

Delightful weeks among the Italian lakes and the mountains of
Switzerland followed. Then came September, and it was time to turn their
faces homeward. A week or two was spent in Paris, whose brilliance,
fascinating gayety, and beauty almost bewildered them, and in whose
great picture-gallery, the Louvre, they reviewed the art-study of the
year.

Then they were off to Havre to take a French steamship home. Mr. Sumner
had decided to return with them, and a little later in the fall to go
back to Florence to settle all things there,--to give up his Italian
home and studio. So there was nothing but joy in the setting forth.

* * * * *

"How can we wait a whole week!" exclaimed Bettina, as the two sisters
were again unpacking the steamer trunks in their stateroom. "How long
one little week seems when it comes at the end of a year, and lies
between us and home!"

Barbara's thought flew back to the like scene on the _Kaiser Wilhelm_ a
year ago, when her mind had been busy with her father's parting words,
and her eyes were very dark with feeling as she spoke:--

"Have you thought, Betty, how much we are taking back?--how much more
than papa thought or we expected even in our wildest dreams? All this
intimate knowledge of Florence, Rome, and Venice! All these memories of
Italy,--and her art and history!"

Then after a moment she continued with changed voice: "And our
friendship with Howard!--and the great gift he gave by which we have
been able to get all these beautiful things we are taking home to the
dear ones, and by which life is so changed for them and us!--and--"

"Barbara!" softly called Mr. Sumner's voice from the corridor.

"_And_," repeated Bettina, archly, with a most mischievous look as her
sister hastened from the room to answer the summons.

At last the morning came when the steamship entered New York harbor; and
the evening followed which saw the travellers again in their
homes,--which restored Barbara and Bettina to father, mother, brothers,
and sisters. There was no end of joy and smiles and happy talk.

After a little time Robert Sumner came, and Dr. Burnett, taking him by
both hands, looked through moist eyes into the face he loved, and had