know it was a sore cross to him. But we took much pleasure in
educating our boys, and Zay was such a bright, winsome little thing. Her
passion is dancing and being merry. She loves to go out driving but I
think she is afraid of managing a horse. Her father tried to train her a
little but she cried and begged off, and the boys have been away so
much. Oh, it will give him the greatest pleasure."

"And I want to devote my life to your happiness to make up for the years
when you did not have me. You must train me in your ways, you must tell
me what he likes best."

"Oh, my darling!"

Major Crawford found them in a close embrace when he returned.

"Oh," the wife began, eagerly, "we have been planning some pleasures so
we shall not feel Willard's loss too keenly. You must teach Marguerite
to ride and to play chess and we will read the old poets. Some of them
are so charming. Why it will seem as if we had gone in an enchanted
country--the Forest of Arden."

How bright and smiling she was! He kissed her and then sat down on the
other side of Marguerite. He had been afraid he would find her in sore
need of comfort.

Aunt Kate came in presently.

"Zaidee has fallen asleep," she said. "She was completely unnerved by
the parting. Her feelings are so strong, her love has such depths to it,
so I have been soothing her to comparative tranquility. You will not
miss this one good-night."

"We shall all miss the boy very much, and he will return to us a man of
full stature. I think we can trust him to return as true and honorable
as when he went away. Yes, he and Zaidee have been together a great deal
this last six months and she will miss him sorely."

"But there will be school and new interests," said the mother. "We must
see Mrs. Barrington and make some future arrangements. Why in May the
girls will be sixteen!"

"Sixteen!" re-echoed their father. "Let us have them set back."

"Oh no," cried Marguerite, "rather let us stay just here. I should like
to make two days of every one. I am afraid no day will be long enough."

Miss Crawford turned away. The others resumed their talk and she heard
their joyous voices. "Poor Zay! Poor Willard!" she said, under her
breath.

When she went to her room and it was quite late the gas was lighted, her
bed been put in the most inviting order and there lay a pretty
nightdress with its garniture. She colored with a thrill of pleasure.
Then she turned and surveyed herself in the glass. He