"I hear my baby crying, and know that he wants his mother.
Dear Mrs.Carrington, you are looking very weary; and it is more than an hour yet to dinner-time; will you not lie down and rest ?" "Yes, and afterwards you must show me your children.

I want to see them." "Thank you; I shall do so with much pleasure," the young mother answered smilingly, as she hastened from the room; for Baby Harold's cries were growing importunate.
This was the regular hour for Eddie and Vi to take a nap, and Elsie found them lying quietly in their little bed, while the screaming babe stoutly resisted the united efforts of his elder sister and Aunt Chloe to pacify and amuse him.
"Give him to me, mammy," she said, seating herself by the open window; "it is his mother he wants." Little Elsie, ever concerned for her mother's happiness, studied 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.