ternal God is thy refuge, and
underneath are the everlasting arms!" and lifting her head, she dashed
away her tears.

"No," she said, "I will _not_ be afraid; at least I will _try_ not to
be. 'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord
is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?' But, oh! mammy,
I must go now, and I feel as if I were saying farewell to you and
this sweet home forever; as if I were never to live in these pretty
rooms--never to see them again."

"Hush! hush, darlin'! 'tain't never best to borrow trouble, an' I'se sure
you'll come back one ob dese days," replied Chloe, forcing herself to
speak cheerfully, though her heart ached as she looked into the soft,
hazel eyes, all dimmed with tears, and marked how thin and pale the dear
little face had grown.

Elsie was passing around the room again, taking a farewell look at each
picture and piece of furniture; then she stood a moment gazing out over
the lawn, to the rolling sea beyond.

She was murmuring something to herself, and Chloe started as her ear
faintly caught the words: "In my Father's house are many mansions."

"Mammy!" said the child, suddenly turning and taking her hand, "look
yonder!" and she pointed with her finger. "Do you see that beautiful,
tall tree that casts such a thick shade? I want to be buried right there,
where papa can see my grave when he sits in here, and think that I am
with him yet. When I am gone, mammy, you must tell him that I told you
this. It would be so pleasant to be there--it is such a lovely spot, and
the distant murmur of the sea seems like a lullaby to sing the weary one
to rest." She added, dreamily, "I would like to lie down there now."

"Why, what you talkin' 'bout, Miss Elsie? My chile musn't say such
tings!" exclaimed Chloe in great alarm. "Your ole mammy 'spects to die
long 'nough 'fore you do. You's berry young, an? 'tain't worth while to
begin talkin' 'bout dyin' yet."

Elsie smiled sadly.

"But you know, mammy," she said, "that death often comes to the youngest.
Mamma died young, and so may I. I am afraid it isn't right, but sometimes
I am so sad and weary that I cannot help longing very much to die, and go
to be with her and with Jesus; for they would always love me, and I
should never be lonely any more. Oh! mammy, mammy, must we part?--shall
I ever see you again?" she cried, throwing herself into her nurse's arms.

"God bless an' keep you, darlin'!" Chloe said, fold