she answered,
good-humoredly.

"Now, Aunt Wealthy," said Annis, "what can we do to make this wonderful
day pass most happily to you?"

"Whatever will be most enjoyable to my guests," was the smiling reply.
"An old body like me can ask nothing better than to sit and look on and
listen."

"Ah, but we would have you talk, too, auntie, when you don't find it
wearisome!"

"What are you going to do with all your new treasures, Aunt Wealthy?"
asked Edward; "don't you want your pictures hung and a place found for
each vase and other household ornament?"

"Certainly," she said, with a pleased look, "and this is the very time,
while I have you all here to give your opinions and advice."

"And help," added Edward, "if you will accept it. As I am tall and
strong, I volunteer to hang the pictures after the place for each has
been duly considered and decided upon."

His offer was promptly accepted, and the work entered upon in a spirit
of fun and frolic, which made it enjoyable to all.

Whatever the others decided upon met with Miss Stanhope's approval; she
watched their proceedings with keen interest, and was greatly delighted
with the effect of their labors.

"My dears," she said, "you have made my house so beautiful! and whenever
I look at these lovely things my thoughts will be full of the dear
givers. I shall not be here long, but while I stay my happiness will be
the greater because of your kindness,"

"And the remembrance of these words of yours, dear aunt, will add to
ours," said Mr. Keith, with feeling.

"But old as you are, Aunt Wealthy," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "it is quite
possible that some of us may reach home before you. It matters little,
however, as we are all travelling the same road to the same happy
country, being children of one Father, servants of the same blessed
Master."

"And He shall choose all our changes for us," she said, "calling each
one home at such time as He sees best. Ah, it is sweet to leave all our
interests in His dear hands, and have Him choose our inheritance for
us!"

There was a pause in the conversation, while Miss Stanhope seemed lost
in thought. Then Mrs. Keith remarked:

"You look weary, dear Aunt Wealthy; will you not lie down and rest for a
little?"

"Yes," she said, "I shall take it as the privilege of age, leaving you
all to entertain yourselves and each other for a time."

At that Mr. Dinsmore hastened to give her his arm and support her to her
bedroom, his wif