y
was the best thing she could do to relieve her trouble, and regain a
measure of cheerfulness. But she had to learn first, and found two
willing teachers in the noble women who had given her a home. She was an
apt scholar and soon became mistress of domestic arts, which were
indispensable to her in after life. Indeed, what woman should be
ignorant of them, if she wishes to be helpful to herself and useful to
others? Who would wish to be considered a mere ornamental piece of bric
a brac, good to be set upon the mantel or against the wall, but not good
for everyday use and comfort? Better be an eight-day clock, for that at
least will regulate the goings of the household!

"In these new employments and in our happy home circle Olive in a few
months recovered something of her wonted tone. She then formed the plan
of putting her hitherto useless accomplishments to work, by taking
pupils in music, drawing, and embroidery. We all approved her plan, and
Lucy found pupils for her among our friends--not among those who had
cast her off. This supplied her with ready money, and with a little
increase to the sum John and I had safely invested for her.

"When his five years were accomplished, and Willing was notified that he
was once more a free man, we were there to receive him, and conduct him
to our house. He entered it, a wiser and a sadder man. We had formed a
plan for him into which he and his wife heartily entered, and had
already written to correspondents in Texas, to obtain information as to
localities for settlement. After a week's rest Willing and Olive left us
for their distant home, where they were soon at home on a small ranche
stocked with sheep--the whole paid for by the modest sum held in Olive's
name. They did well and are much respected. He has been able to enlarge
his operations, and is now a thriving man; and what is far better, he is
upright, honest; always on the right side; fearing God, and having favor
with those who know him.

"But to return to ourselves. We persevered in a strict course of
industry and economy, declining help proffered from outside sources. My
dear grandfather, who had brought me up after my father's death, was
very kind in offering financial aid; but I did not wish to involve any
one in my misfortunes, or to cause embarrassment to one I so greatly
loved. Besides, I felt confident that we should retrieve our affairs by
our own efforts. So it proved. Eight years to a day from the time we