was wonderful, and all the more so that for
the last few years the flower-garden, at least, had been allowed to take
its own way as to growing and blossoming, and bade fair when they came
to be a thicket of balsam, peonies, hollyhocks, and other hardy village
favourites. But Ned saw great possibilities of beauty in it, compared
with the three-cornered morsel that had been the source of so much
enjoyment in Singleton, and having taken Philip into his confidence,
there came from time to time seeds, roots, plants and cuttings to his
heart's content.

He had determined to have the whole in perfect order by the time of the
coming of Violet and the rest, and by dint of constant labour on his
part, and the little help he got from David or any one else who could be
coaxed into his service for the time, he had succeeded wonderfully,
considering all things. It was perfect in neatness, and it was rich in
flowers that had never opened under a Gourlay sun till now. It was to
be a surprise to Violet and Jem, and looking at it with their eyes,
David exclaimed again and again in admiration of its order and beauty.

"But they won't see it to-night, unless they come soon," said he.
"However, it will look all the better with the morning sun upon it.
Does it seem like home to you, mamma?--the old home?"

"Yes--with a difference," said his mother.

"Ah, yes! But you are glad to be here, mamma? You would rather have
your home in Gourlay than anywhere else?"

"Yes, I am glad our home is here. God has been very good to us, Davie."

"Mamma, it is wonderful! If our choice had been given us, we could not
have desired anything different."

His mother smiled.

"God's way is best, and this will seem more like home than any other
place could seem to those who must go away. I cannot expect to keep my
children always."

"Any place would be home to us where you were, mamma. But I am glad you
are here--and you don't grudge us to our work in the world?"

"No, truly. That would be worse than ungrateful. May God give you all
His work to do, and a will and strength to do it!"

"And you will have the children a long time yet; and Violet--" David
hesitated and looked at his mother with momentary embarrassment. "Only
mamma," added he, "I am afraid Philip wants Violet."

Mrs Inglis started.

"Has he told you so, Davie?" said she, anxiously.

"No--not quite--not exactly. But I think--I know you wouldn't be
grieved, mamma? Philip is