st part of November
was a long and lovely Indian-summer. Then the explorations of the boys
were renewed with delight. Graeme and Rosie and Will went with the
rest, and even Janet was beguiled into a nutting excursion one
afternoon. She enjoyed it, too, and voluntarily confessed it. It was a
fair view to look over the pond and the village lying so quietly in the
valley, with the kirk looking down upon it from above. It was a fine
country, nobody could deny; but Janet's eyes were sad enough as she
gazed, and her voice shook as she said it, for the thought of home was
strong at her heart.

In this month they made themselves thoroughly acquainted with the
geography of the place, and with the kindly inmates of many a farm-house
besides. And a happy month it was for them all. One night they watched
the sun set between red and wavering clouds, and the next day woke to
behold "the beauty and mystery of the snow." Far-away to the highest
hill-top; down to the very verge of pond and brook; on every bush, and
tree, and knoll, and over every silent valley, lay the white garment of
winter. How strange! how wonderful! it seemed to their unaccustomed
eyes.

"It 'minds me of white grave-clothes," said Marian, with a shudder.

"Whist, Menie," said her sister. "It makes me think, of how full the
air will be of bonnie white angels at the resurrection-day. Just watch
the flakes floating so quietly in the air."

"But, Graeme, the angels will be going up, and--"

"Well, one can hardly tell by looking at them, whether the snow-flakes
are coming down or going up, they float about so silently. They mind me
of beautiful and peaceful things."

"But, Graeme, it looks cold and dreary, and all the bonnie flowers are
covered in the dark."

"Menie! There are no flowers to be covered now, and the earth is weary
with her summer work, and will rest and sleep under the bonnie white
snow. And, dear, you mustna think of dreary things when you look out
upon the snow, for it will be a long time before we see the green grass
and the bonnie flowers again," and Graeme sighed.

But it was with a shout of delight that the boys plunged headlong into
it, rolling and tumbling and tossing it at one another in a way that was
"perfect ruination to their clothes;" and yet Janet had not the heart to
forbid it. It was a holiday of a new kind to them; and their enjoyment
was crowned and completed when, in the afternoon, Mr Snow came down
with his bo