e's a house on it,--some kind
of a house,--and I think of moving up there to live. I don't know much
about the place, and I don't like the plan. It'll be lonely for you,
for the farm is on an island, it seems, and there's no one else living
there, no children for you to play with, and no school. These are
disadvantages; but, on the other hand, the climate is said to be good,
and I suppose I can raise enough up there for our living, and not run
into debt, which is the thing I care most for just now. So I've about
decided to try it. I'm sorry to break up your schooling, and to take
you away from here, where you like it so much; but it seems the only
way open. And if you could go cheerfully, my dear, and make the best
of things, it would be a great comfort to me. That's all I've got to
say."

Eyebright's mind had been at work through this long sentence. Her
reply astonished her father not a little, it was so bright and eager.

"What is the island in, papa? A lake?"

"No, not a lake. It's in the sea, but very near the coast. I think
there's some way of walking across at low tide, but I'm not sure."

"I think--I'm rather glad," said Eyebright slowly. "I always did want
to live on an island and I never saw the sea. Don't feel badly, papa,
I guess we shall like it."

Mr. Bright was relieved; but he couldn't help shaking his head a
little, nevertheless.

"You must make up your mind to find it pretty lonesome," he said,
compassionately.

"The Swiss Family Robinson didn't," replied Eyebright. "But then," she
added, "there were six of them. And there'll only be four of
us--counting Genevieve."

If Eyebright had taken the news too calmly, Wealthy made up for it by
her wild and incredulous wrath when in turn it was broken to her.

"Pity's sakes!" she cried. "Whatever is the man a-thinking about?
Carry you off to Maine, indeed, away from folks and church and every
thing civilized! He's crazy,--that's what he is,--as crazy as a loon!"

"Papa's not crazy. You mustn't say such things, Wealthy," replied
Eyebright, indignantly. "He feels real badly about going. But we've
got to go. We've lost all our money, and we can't stay here."

"A desert island, too!" went on Wealthy, pursuing her own train of
reflection. "Crocodiles and cannibals, I suppose! I've heard what a
God-forsaken place it is up there. Who's going to look after you, I'd
like to know?--you, who never in your life remembered your rubber
shoes when it rained, or k