ed the dear
face intently for a moment, and seeing the traces of tears, drew near
and, putting an arm about her neck, "Mamma," she said tenderly, "dear
mamma, what troubles you? May I know about it?"

Mrs. Travilla explained briefly, telling of Mrs. Carrington's trials, and
of those of other old friends and neighbors in the South.

"Mamma," said the child, with eyes filled to overflowing, "I am very sorry
for them all, and for you. Mamma, it is like Jesus to shed tears for other
people's troubles: but, mamma, I think it is too much; there are so many,
it makes you sorry all the time, and I can't bear it."

The mother's only answer was a silent caress, and the child went on: "I
hope nobody else will come with such sad stories to make you cry. Is there
anybody else to do it, mamma?"

"I think not, dear; there are only Aunt Wealthy, who has not lost any near
friend lately, and--Why there she is now! the dear old soul!" she broke
off joyously, for at that instant a carriage, which she had been watching
coming up the drive, drew up before the door, and a young gentleman and a
little old lady alighted.

Aunt Chloe took the babe, and Elsie hastened down to meet her aunt, her
little daughter following.

To the child's great relief it was an altogether joyous greeting this
time; both Miss Stanhope, and her escort, Harry Duncan, were looking very
happy, which caused her to regard them with much satisfaction, and the
kisses asked of her were given very readily.

"Were you expecting us to-day, Mrs. Allison?" Harry asked, turning to
Adelaide.

"Yes; I received your telegram."

"Business hurried us off two days sooner than we expected," said Miss
Stanhope. "I would have written, but was so very busy with papers and
painterers doing the house all up new; and putting down new curtains, and
tacking up new carpets, till, Elsie, the old place would hardly know you."

The old lady's heart was evidently full to overflowing, with happiness at
the prospect of seeing May installed as future mistress in the pretty
cottage at Lansdale.

Yet there was no lack of sympathy in the sorrows or joys of others; she
wept with them all over their losses past and prospective; for she, too,
saw that Harold must soon pass away from earth, and while rejoicing with
him, when she learned how gladly he would obey the summons, her heart yet
bled for those to whom he was so dear.

Richard and his bride arrived in due season. The latter had lost no ne