d my portion and lie down to watch the
heavens. Mother, I wish you knew how near to God one feels out in the
desert with the stars. Last night about three o'clock I woke to
replenish my fire and watch a while a great comet, the finest one for
many years. I would tell you about it but I've already made this letter
too long, and it's time Billy and I were on our way again. I love this
spot beside the big rock and often come back to it on my journeys;
perhaps because here I once camped with a dear friend and we had
pleasant converse together around our brushwood fire. It makes the
desert seem less lonely because I can sometimes fancy my friend still
reclining over on the other side of the fire in the light that plays
against the great rock. Well, little mother o' mine, I must close. Cheer
up, for it has been intimated to me that I may be sent East to General
Assembly in the spring, and then for three whole weeks with you! That
will be when the wild strawberries are out, and I shall carry you in my
arms and spread a couch for you on the strawberry hill behind the house,
and you shall pick some again with your own hands."

With a sudden catch in her throat like a sob the reading came to an end
and Hazel, her eyes bright with tears, handed the letter reverently back
to the mother whose face was bright with smiles.

"Isn't he a boy worth giving?" she asked as she folded the letter and
slipped it back under the pink and gray cover.

"He is a great gift," said Hazel in a low voice.

She was almost glad that Amelia Ellen came up with an armful of flowers
just then and she might bury her face in their freshness and hide the
tears that would not be stayed, and then before she had half admired
their beauty there was a loud "Honk-honk!" from the road, followed by a
more impatient one, and Hazel was made aware that she was being waited
for.

"I'm sorry you must go, dear," said the gentle woman. "I haven't seen so
beautiful a girl in years, and I'm sure you have a lovely heart, too. I
wish you could visit me again."

"I will come again some time if you will let me!" said the girl
impulsively, and then stooped and kissed the soft rose-leaf cheek, and
fled down the path trying to get control of her emotion before meeting
her companions.

Hazel was quiet all the rest of the way, and was rallied much upon her
solemnity. She pleaded a headache and closed her eyes, while each
heart-throb carried her back over the months and brought h