ears
which she had been struggling with so long. Up and down the
snow-encumbered path she walked, scarce knowing that she shivered in the
blast. Conscious only of one thought, that Menie must die, and that the
time was hastening.

Yes. It was coming very near now. God help them all. Weary with the
unavailing struggle, weary to faintness with the burden of care and
sorrow, she had borne through all these months of watching, to-night she
let it fall. She bowed herself utterly down.

"So let it be! God's will be done!"

And leaning with bowed head and clasped hands over the little gate,
where she had stood in many a changing mood, she prayed as twice or
thrice in a lifetime. God gives power to his children to pray--face to
face--in His very presence. Giving her will and wish up quite, she lay
at his feet like a little child, chastened, yet consoled, saying not
with her lips, but with the soul's deepest breathing, "I am Thine. Save
me." Between her and all earthly things, except the knowledge that her
sister was dying, a kindly veil was interposed. No foreshadowing of a
future more utterly bereaved than Menie's death would bring, darkened
the light which this momentary glimpse of her Lord revealed. In that
hour she ate angel's food, and from it received strength to walk through
desert places.

She started as a hand was laid upon her shoulder, but her head drooped
again as she met Mr Snow's look, so grave in its kindliness.

"Miss Graeme, is it best you should be out here in the cold?"

"No," said Graeme, humbly. "I am going in." But she did not move even
to withdraw herself from the gentle pressure of his hand.

"Miss Graeme," said he, as they stood thus with the gate between them,
"hadn't you better give up now, and let the Lord do as He's a mind to
about it?"

"Yes," said Graeme, "I give up. His will be done."

"Amen!" said her friend, and the hand that rested on her shoulder was
placed upon her head, and Graeme knew that in "the golden vials full of
odours" before the throne, Deacon Snow's prayer for her found a place.

She opened the gate and held it till he passed through, and then
followed him up the path into Hannah's bright kitchen.

"Will you go in and see papa, or in there?" asked she, glancing towards
the parlour door, and shading her eyes as she spoke.

"Well, I guess I'll sit down here. It won't be long before Mis' Snow'll
be going along down. But don't you wait. Go right in to