g, and then we shall have the whole family joining us
in Italy."

"How delightful that would be, Ned!" she said, smiling through her tears.

"And do you know," he went on gayly, "it is strongly impressed upon me
that we shall find Lester convalescent, and by good nursing and our
cheering companionship so help it on that we shall have him a well man in
a few weeks."

"Ah, if it might be so!" she sighed. "'But He doeth all things well,' and
oh how precious are His promises! 'As thy days thy strength shall be.' 'I
will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' 'When thou passest through the
waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not
overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be
burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.' And then that glorious
assurance, 'We _know_ that all things work together for good to them that
love God.' Oh, Ned, our one great need is more and stronger faith!"

"Yes, the faith which worketh by love! Let me read you that eighth chapter
of Romans. I do not know what could be more comforting," he said, taking a
small Testament from his pocket.

"Thank you," she said when he had finished. "Ah, what could be sweeter
than those concluding verses! 'For I am persuaded that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be
able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord!'"

"Elsie, I think if our mother had never done anything else for her
children," remarked Edward earnestly, "they would owe her an eternal debt
of gratitude for storing their minds as she has with the very words of
inspiration."

"Yes, 'the entrance of Thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to
the simple.' 'The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of
gold and silver.'"

Ben came to the door. "Dey says dey's goin' to fotch up de anchor and
start de wessel, Marse Ed'ard. Don't you and Miss Elsie want for to see
it?"

"Yes, sister, do you not wish to see the last you may, for the present, of
your dear native land?" queried Edward in a lively tone. "'Twill take but
a moment to don hat and shawl, and I shall be proud to give you the
support of my arm."

"Yes, I do," she said, rising with alacrity and hastily making the needful
preparations.

Ben preceded them to the deck and found comfortable seats for them in the
front ran