ing scene she had maintained an unbroken calmness
of demeanor, staying herself upon her God, lifting her heart to His
throne in never-ceasing petitions, and in the midst of her bitter grief
and anxiety rejoicing that if her boy were taken from her for a time, it
would be but to exchange the trials and cares of earth for the joys of
heaven; and the parting from him here would soon be followed by a
blissful reunion in that blessed land where sin and sorrow and suffering
can never enter.

But at length, when their efforts were rewarded so that he breathed and
spoke, and she knew that he was restored to her, the reaction came.

She had given him a gentle, tender kiss, had seen him fall into a
natural, refreshing sleep, and passing from his bedside into an
adjoining room, she fainted in her father's arms.

"My darling, my dear, brave darling!" he murmured, as he laid her down
upon a couch and bent over her in tenderest solicitude, while Mrs.
Dinsmore hastened to apply restoratives.

It was not a long faint; she presently opened her eyes and lifted them
with a bewildered look up into her father's face.

"What is it, papa?" she murmured; "have I been ill?"

"Only a short faint," he answered. "But you must be quite worn out."

"Oh, I remember!" she cried. "Harold, my dear son--"

"Is doing well, love. And now I want you to go to your bed and try to
get some rest. See, day is breaking, and you have had no sleep, no
rest."

"Nor have you, papa; do go and lie down; but I must watch over my poor
boy," she said, trying to rise from the couch.

"Lie still," he said, gently detaining her; "lie here, if you are not
willing to go to your bed. I am better able to sit up than you are, and
will see to Harold."

"His brothers are with him, mamma," said Zoe, standing by; "and Edward
says they will stay beside him as long as they are needed."

"Then you and I will both retire and try to take some rest, shall we
not?" Mr. Dinsmore asked, bending over Elsie and softly smoothing her
hair.

"Yes, papa; but I must first take one peep at the dear son so nearly
lost to me."

He helped her to rise; then she perceived that Captain Raymond and
Violet were in the room.

"Dearest mamma," said the latter, coming forward to embrace her, "how
glad I am that you are better, and our dear Harold spared to us!" She
broke down in sobs and tears.

"Yes, my child; oh, let us thank the Lord for His great goodness! But
this night has been quite