n atmosphere which was little in harmony with her spirit, murmured
not; but, contented with her lot, neither dreamed of nor asked for
outward change until Philip came to her one day and, taking her by the
hand, said gently--

"This is no home for you, Emily. You are as much alone as I in my
solitary farm-house. We loved each other in childhood, our hearts became
one youth, and have continued so until now. Why should we be longer
parted? Your father will not now oppose our wishes; and will you,
dearest, refuse to bless and gladden the lonely life of your grey-haired
lover?"

But Emily shook her head, while she answered, with her smile of
ineffable sweetness--

"Oh no, Philip! do not speak of it! Think of my frail health and my
helplessness."

"Your health, dear Emily, is improving. The roses are already coming
back to your cheeks; and for your helplessness, what task can be so
sweet to me as teaching you, through my devotion, to forget it! Oh, do
not send me away disappointed, Emily! A cruel fate divided us for years;
do not by your own act prolong that separation! Believe me, a union with
my early love is my brightest, my only hope of happiness!"

And she did not withdraw the hand which he held, but yielded the other
also to his fervent clasp.

"My only thought had been, dear Philip," said she, "that ere this I
should have been called to my Father's home; and even now I feel many a
warning that I cannot be very long for earth; but while I stay, be it
longer or shorter, it shall be as you wish. No word of mine shall part
hearts so truly one, your home shall be mine."

And when the grass turned green, and the flowers sent up their
fragrance, and the birds sang in the branches, and the spring gales blew
soft and made a gentle ripple on the water, Emily came to live on the
hillside with Philip; and Mrs. Ellis came too to superintend all things,
and especially the dairy, which became henceforth her pride. She had
long since tearfully implored, and easily obtained, the forgiveness of
the much-wronged Philip; and proved, by the humility of her voluntary
confession, that she was not without a woman's heart.

Mrs. Prime pleaded hard for the cook's situation at the farm, but Emily
kindly expostulated with her, saying--

"We cannot all leave my father, Mrs. Prime. Who would see to his hot
toast, and the fire in the library?" and the good old woman saw the
matter in the right light and submitted.

And is the long-wande