to pervade the place. Going away from home for the first long
stay, however bright the new place of sojourn, brings to most hearts an
undercurrent of sadness.

She smiled a bit wistfully at her few treasures--her books, an old
picture of her mother, the little Testament Aunt Maria gave her to read,
the few trinkets her school friends had given her from time to time, a
little kodak picture of Mother Bab and David in the flower garden.

At last the dreary task was done, the trunk strapped, and she was ready
for the journey. It was a perfect September day when she left the gray
farmhouse, drove in the country road and stood with her father, Aunt
Maria, Mother Bab, David and Phares at the railroad station in Greenwald
and waited for the noon train to Philadelphia.

Jacob Metz and the preacher made brave, though visible, efforts to be
cheerful; Maria Metz made no effort to be anything except very greatly
worried and anxious; but Mother Bab and David were determined that the
girl's departure was to be nothing less than pleasant.

"Now be sure, Phoebe," said Aunt Maria for the tenth time, "to ask the
conductor at Reading if that train is for Phildelphy before you get on,
and at Phildelphy you wait till Miss Lee fetches you."

"Yes, Aunt Maria, I'll be careful."

"And don't lose your trunk check--David, did you give it to her for
sure?"

"Yes. She'll hold on to it, don't you worry."

"Phoebe will be all right," said Mother Bab.

"And," said David teasingly, "be sure to let me know when you need that
beet juice and cream and flour."

"Davie! Now for that I won't write to you!"

"Yes you will!" His eyes looked so long into hers that she said
confusedly, "Ach, I'll write. Mind that you take good care of Mother Bab
and stop in sometimes to see how Aunt Maria and daddy are getting on
without me."

"Ach, we'll be all right," said Aunt Maria. "Just you take care of
yourself so far away from home. And if you get homesick you come right
home. Anyway, you come home soon to see us; and be sure to write every
week still."

"Yes, yes!"

A shrill whistle announced the approach of the train. There were hurried
kisses and good-byes, a handshake for the preacher and, last of all, a
handshake for David. He held her hand so long that she cried out,
"David, you'll make me miss the train!"

"No--good-bye."

"Good-bye, David." Then she tugged at her hand and in a moment was
hurrying to the train.

There were few passengers th