us, until the cheap-jack had worked himself up into
a white heat of energetic oratory, and the selling became brisk and
lively.

By and by the silvery moonlight began to flood the street, contrasting
strangely with the orange glare of the lamps. Erica still leaned her
head against the window frame, still looked out dreamily at the Firdale
life, while the soft night wind lightly lifted the hair from her
forehead and seemed to lull the pain at her heart.

It was only in accordance with the general peacefulness when by and by
her father crossed the room, looking more like himself than he had done
for some days.

"I am better, Eric," he said cheerfully "better already. It is just the
consciousness that there is nothing that need be done. I feel as if
I should sleep tonight." He looked out at the moonlit street. "What a
perfect night it is!" He exclaimed. "What do you say, little one; shall
we drive over to this rural retreat now? The good folks were told to
have everything ready, and they can hardly lock up before ten."

She was so glad to see him take an interest in anything, and so greatly
relieved by his recovery of strength and spirits, that she gladly fell
in with the plan, and before long they set off in one of the wagonettes
belonging to the Shrub Inn.

Firdale wound its long street of red-roofed houses along a sheltered
valley in between fir-crowned heights; beyond the town lay rich,
fertile-looking meadows, and a winding river bordered by pollard
willows. Looking across these meadows, one could see the massive tower
of the church, its white pinnacles standing out sharp and clear in the
moonlight. As Raeburn and Erica crossed the bridge leading out of the
town, the clock in the tower struck nine, and the old chimes began
to play the tune which every three hours fell on the ears of the
inhabitants of Firdale.

"'Life let us cherish,'" said Raeburn with a smile. "A good omen for us,
little one."

And whether it was the mere fact that he looked so much more cheerful
already, or whether the dear old tune, with its resolute good humor and
determination to make the best of things, acted upon Erica's sensitive
nature, it would be hard to say, but she somehow shook off all her cares
and enjoyed the novelty of the moonlight drive like a child. Before long
they were among the fir trees, driving along the sandy road, the
sweet night laden with the delicious scent of pine needles, and to the
overworked Londoners in its