on, I believe, when a
visitor first comes to see a bride in her new home."

The bitterness, the sarcasm of her manner were pitiful to see. Anne
Valery watched her, sadly, yet not hopelessly. There was in the calm of
that pale face a clearness of vision which pierced through many human
darknesses to the light behind.

She only said, "Thank you, I will take some wine; I like to keep up
good old customs,"--and waited while Mrs. Harper, with a quick excited
manner, and a countenance that changed momentarily, did the first
honours of her household. So sad it was to see her doing it all alone!
More widow-like than bride-like.

As she came up with the wine-glass, Miss Valery caught her hand, holding
it firmly in defiance of Agatha's slight effort to get free.

"Wait a minute for my good wishes to the bride. May God bless you! Not
with fortune, which is oftentimes only a curse"--

"That is true," muttered Agatha, bitterly.

"Not with perfect freedom from care, for that is impossible, or, if
possible, would not be good for you. Every one of us must bear our own
burden; and we can bear it, if we love one another."

Agatha's lips were set together.

"If," continued Anne, firmly--"If we love any one with sincerity and
faithfulness, we are sure to reap our reward some time. If any love us,
and we believe it and trust them, they are sure to come out clear from
all clouds, our own beloved, true to the end. Therefore, Agatha, above
all blessings, may God bless you with _love_! May you be happy in your
husband, and make him happy! May you live to see your home merry
and full--not silent!--may you die among your children and your own
people--not alone!"

The sudden solemnity of this blessing, enhanced by the feebleness of
the voice that uttered it, awoke strange emotions in Agatha. She threw
herself on her knees by the armchair, where Anne lay back--now faint and
pale.

"Oh, if you had been near me--if I had known you always, and you had
brought me up, and made a good woman of me."

"Perhaps I ought," murmured Anne, thoughtfully. "But, just then, it
would have been so hard--so hard!"

"What are you saying? Say it again. All your words are good words. Tell
me."

"Nothing, dear. Except"--here Miss Valery raised herself with a sudden
effort mental and bodily--"Agatha, will you go with me to Weymouth?"

"If you like. Anywhere to be with you. I am sick of myself."

"We all are at times, especially when we are young, and do