have both been to see for
themselves."

The looked-for day came at last; and Grace's eyes sought the face of
the young man to whom her sister had given her love, and spoke to him
most eloquently. "Be kind to her--she is giving up everything for your
sake," said those speaking eyes. Indeed, this is what should be so
whispered as to sink into the heart of every bridegroom. A woman's
happiness is so entirely in the care of her husband that, if he should
betray the trust, there is nothing but sorrow for her. It is well when
the man realises this, and prayerfully resolves that, God helping him,
he will make, and not mar the joy of the heart that loves him.

This is what the young man meant to do who married the sister of Grace
Darling; and there was every probability that they would be happy.

"If you love each other and love God, you need not fear for the
future," said a wise old man once to a married couple. "If troubles
come, bear them together as cheerfully as you can. If pleasures come,
share them with each other, and so double them. In all things
acknowledge God, and keep Him before you, and all will be well."

And she whom Grace left tearfully, and with many prayers for her
happiness, doubtless found the truth of this in her own experience.

Mr. and Mrs. Darling were very glad to welcome their daughter home
again, and she was quite as glad to return. She found, as she
expected, that the mother had many questions to ask.

"Tell me some more about Mary Ann, Grace," said she many times; and as
the days were dull and wet, and there was nothing else to do, these two
had leisure to talk together, and Mrs. Darling was satisfied.

She felt as all mothers do, when their daughters have left the parental
roof and chosen for themselves one who shall take the place of the dear
old home friends, that little remained for her to do now but to pray.
Happily for us all, however, there is a power in prayer that makes it
worth more to the beloved ones than any gift. And those who pray bring
down blessings upon the household, though far away from it in body.
One is always near; and the Father of the human family is a
prayer-answering God.

CHAPTER VIII.

"PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE."

"What might be done, if men were wise,
What glorious deeds, my suffering brother,
Would they unite
In love and right,
And cease their scorn of one another!

"Oppression's heart might be imbued
With kindling d