efer a competency and happiness.

Laura's health was much impaired by her unceasing fretfulness and ill
humor, and eventually her sight became affected. Sitting in a dark room,
unable to read or sew, deprived of every amusement, she wept herself
blind at last! Reduced to this melancholy state, Cora Clavering once
more stepped across the threshold from which she had been so rudely
thrust, and offered her aid to the sufferer. Her gentle hand applied the
cooling compressions to Laura's swollen lids; her noiseless footstep
could cross the room and not disturb her if she slept. That low sweet
voice never grated harshly on the sensitive ear of the invalid, and she
learned to long for her coming as a captive for freedom. Fanny clung to
her as a guardian angel; for from how many heartaches did Cora's
presence save her! Margaret watched with her, and together they
persuaded Laura to submit to an operation; and she requested that it
might not be delayed.

But on Cora she leaned for support in the hour of trial, and, clasping
her hand firmly, said that she was prepared. Faithful and true, that
voice encouraged her through the trying moments. That slender arm
supported her head, and seemed so strong; and until the bandages were
removed from her eyes, still that slight form glided about to supply her
bitter enemy's every want.

But at length Laura could see once more, and light had come, too, upon
her darkened soul. Sitting one evening in Cora's little parlor, she
glanced around with a look of admiration upon its plain furniture, its
absence of luxury, and remembered the perfect content of its happy
mistress. While she, surrounded by all that wealth could afford, had
made herself and everything around her wretched. Fanny had often dreamed
of flying to Cora for shelter from bitter words and reproaches, and
Clara had long since ceased to visit the sister from whose lessons she
had learned to be that misguided thing, a worldly woman.

"You may well love Cora, Lewis," said Laura, as she saw how fondly he
watched her every motion; "she seems to have the secret of exorcising
evil spirits, and replacing them with good ones, besides being the best
nurse, the best wife, and the most sunshiny soul that ever was on
earth."

"Don't flatter me, Laura," said Cora, laughing, and giving Margaret's
baby a toss that made the little creature clap its hands with delight.
"Lewis told me once he thought he _had_ married a banshee."

"He married wh