daughter
I'd been!"

"When you said `Good-bye,' you mean. That's good to think of, isn't it,
Pixie? He knew he would never see you again, and that afterwards you
would remember all he said, and treasure it in your heart, and the
sweetest thing of all is to know that you were a joy and pleasure to
him. It is a comfort to think that he is well again, isn't it? Quite
well and happy in heaven!"

"I want him on earth!" said Pixie, and the tears flowed down her cheeks.
"We all want him. What is to become of us without our father? I feel
as if I could never be happy again, but he said I must be. `Be as happy
as you can,' he said, `and make other people happy too. Never trouble a
bit about your lessons, but go on loving and making sunshine, and you'll
do a great work in the world.' Those were the very last words I heard
him speak."

It was a somewhat free translation, so far as lessons were concerned,
and the girls realised as much, being accustomed to Pixie and her ways,
but they allowed that part of the story to pass without comment, and
referred only to what was obviously a literal repetition.

"Well, then, of course, you must obey his last words! It would not be
like a good daughter if you didn't. You must go on loving us, and
making us happy, and we shall all be wretched if we see you fretting.
You do make us happy, you know, Pixie! We have been ever so much
livelier since you came. I think it ought to cheer anyone to know that
she can make thirty-three people happy, don't you, now?"

"Can I--can I really?" Pixie inquired wistfully. "I'm glad of that,
and I will try, but I can't help fretting a little first! I don't think
the Major would like it if I didn't fret for him." And at this moment
Miss Phipps came into the room and put an end to the conference.

"I can't let you sit up a moment longer, you weary little girl! Say
`Good-night' at once, and one of the girls shall go upstairs with you,
and help you to undress. Which will you have?"

Pixie looked from one to the other of her companions with uncertain
gaze. Where everyone was so kind it was hard to choose. Ethel had not
tossed her head once since she entered the room; Kate kept taking off
her spectacles, and polishing them on her handkerchief; Flora looked so
kind and comfortable; the "Bridgie's expression" was stronger than ever
in Margaret's eyes; but there was a something in Lottie's face--a
humble, wistful longing which was to be found