be hints of spring in the air;
now and then there came a day so mild and fair it seemed to belong to
April, and as the winter passed it carried with it some at least of the
cares that had for a while rested upon the inmates of the optician's
house.

Frances and her mother rejoiced because every day brought nearer their
traveller's return; Miss Moore, busy with the Easter work in her
kindergarten, was finding a new meaning in the season; and even Lillian
Sherwin felt now and then a thrill of joy that was like a prophecy of
days to come, to her sore heart.

Mr. Clark was cheerful because he loved sunshine; and though he could
not as yet see the way through his difficulties, he felt sure it was
there, and that in good time he should find it.

The pleasure of Washington's Birthday lingered with Emma; the General,
restored to health and amiability, was no longer such a care, and she
found time once more to spend in that haven of delight upstairs with
Frances.

George Washington was sent to the Loan Exhibit, together with the
cabinet, some silver candlesticks, and the Wedgwood cream jug and sugar
dish. With the blank space over the mantel the study looked deserted;
and the owl, deprived of his resting-place on the cabinet, perched
forlornly on a corner of the bookcase.

Frances took great interest in the Exhibit, and insisted upon going,
chiefly it seemed for the purpose of seeing how Washington looked in
his new surroundings. As Mrs. Morrison was housed with a cold, Miss
Sherwin offered to take her.

They found a beautiful display of valuable and interesting things
arranged in a large, handsomely decorated hall; but not until Frances
had viewed the portrait and made a diligent search for Mr. Clark's other
possessions would she give any attention to less familiar things.

She and Lillian were bending with delight over a case of miniatures when
she heard her name spoken, and turning, saw Mrs. Marvin.

"Do you like the miniatures?" the lady asked. "Then come over to the
other side; there is one there I want you to see."

[Illustration: "She pointed out a picture, set in diamonds"]

She pointed out a picture, set in diamonds, of a lovely young woman.

"How pretty! Is it you?" Frances asked, seeing a resemblance to the
handsome face beside her.

Mrs. Marvin smiled. "No, it is my mother,--the little girl you are so
fond of, after she was grown. They wanted the portrait too," she added,
"but I have decided not to tr