ther might come on for
a few days' visit.

Zay kissed her mother and went to her room where she gave way to a
violent fit of weeping.

"I ought to go to your mother," said Aunt Kate. Major Crawford had gone
to the station with his son.

"Oh, no, stay with me, she will have Marguerite. Oh, if Willard never
never should come back! So many accidents happen," she sobbed.

"Don't let us think of that; so many come home safely. Oh, my child, try
to be a little tranquil. He is here in the country yet and will not go
away for several days. Summon your fortitude for the sake of the
others."

"No one loves him as I do," she moaned.

"I love him dearly. You children have been like my own, I have had so
much of the care of you."

"But I love him so dearly, and if he should get weaned away! Why, I
should be heartbroken!"

"My dear!" Aunt Kate sat on the side of the bed, bathed her head with
fragrant water and comforted her with endearing terms until she grew
tranquil and finally fell asleep.

Mrs. Crawford had seated herself on the couch and motioned Marguerite
beside her.

"My dear daughter," she said, steadying her voice, "heaven only knows
how glad I am to have you and we must comfort one another. I had dreaded
Willard going, but God has been good to me and sent you just when I
needed you most. We shall be very happy in each other's society, I
foresee. You will be my girl as Zay is Aunt Kate's. Willard is so
interested in you, and when it is a little pleasanter we will go driving
together. I like the byways and the nooks and the wild flowers. Oh, do
you think you could learn to ride? You would not be afraid! Father is
so fond of it. Oh, the rides we used to have in our early life!"

Marguerite's eyes lighted with eager pleasure. "Oh, I should like it,"
she returned, earnestly.

"And he is so fond of it. It seems as if he had given up so many things
for me. I used to go out to the Stations with him and live in the Forts.
What magnificent gallops we have had. I don't wonder the boys were
imbued with the love of military life, their father was such an ardent
soldier. We were very happy with our boys but we _did_ want a daughter.
I was so proud of the twins, perhaps too proud. Yet I do not think we
can love these choice gifts of God too much, so long as we are grateful
to the giver. Then there came all the sorrowful years. For a long while
they thought I never would walk again. The Major resigned from the army
and I