ight be spoken. She dared not hear it, yet. Out at the
hillside door, into the shade of the deep evergreens, she passed, with a
quick impulse.

Thither Roger Armstrong followed, presently, and found her. With the
keen instinct of a loving sympathy, he knew she fled from speech. So he
put his arm about her, silently, tenderly; and led her on, and up, under
the close, cool shade, the way their steps had come to know so well.

"Take it for good news, darling. For it is good," he said, at last, when
he had placed her in the rocky seat, where she had listened to so many
treasured words--to that old, holy confidence--of his.

And there he comforted her.

* * * * *

A sudden sinking--a prostration beyond what they had looked for, had
surprised her attendants; and, almost with their notice of the change,
the last, pale, gray shadow had swept up over the calm, patient face,
and good Aunt Faith had passed away.

Away--for a little. Not out of God's house. Not lost out of His
household.

* * * * *

This was her will.

"I, Faith Henderson, spinster, in sound mind, and of my own will,
direct these things.

"That to my dear grandniece, Faith Henderson Gartney, be given from
me, as my bequest, that portion of my worldly property now
invested in two stores in D---- Street, in the city of Mishaumok.
That this property and interest be hers, for her own use and
disposal, with my love.

"Also, that my plate, and my box of best house linen, which stands
beside the press in the northwest chamber, be given to her, Faith
Henderson Gartney; and that my nephew, Henderson Gartney, shall,
according to his own pleasure and judgment, appropriate and dispose
of any books, or articles of old family value and interest. But
that beds, bedding, and all heavy household furniture, with a
proper number of chairs and other movables, be retained in the
house, for its necessary and suitable furnishing.

"And then, that all this residue of personal effects, and my real
estate in the Old Homestead at Kinnicutt Cross Corners, and my
shares in the Kinnicutt Bank, be placed in the hands of my nephew,
Henderson Gartney, to be held in trust during the natural life of
my worthy and beloved handmaiden, Gloriana McWhirk; for her to
occupy said house, and use said furniture, and the income of