r of
my dear brother's safety in any case. He is one who has lived the life of
a Christian for years, and I am sure dying grace will be given him for
dying time--whenever that shall come."

"And well may you be," said Mrs. Travilla, "for not one of all God's
promises ever fails, and to each of His children He has said, 'As thy
days, so shall thy strength be.'"

"If you want to answer your letter by return of mail, Lester, do not let
us hinder you," said Mr. Dinsmore. "We are going to the village
presently, and will mail it for you, if you like."

"Thank you; then I shall write at once," Lester replied, as he rose and
left them.

"This change of plan will involve some change in your intended
preparations, will it not, Elsie?" asked Mrs. Travilla.

"Not very much, mamma, as we are not likely to take part in any gayeties.
I shall not need to have any new dresses made; indeed, I think I have
already a full supply of everything necessary or desirable, in the way of
dress, for both baby and myself."

"Then you will be ready for the trip as soon as any of us?" her
grandfather said inquiringly.

"Yes, sir; I could pack to-day and start this evening if desired to do
so," she answered with a smile.

"We will not put you to the test," he said, "but we hope to sail next
Tuesday."

CHAPTER III.

"We all do fade as a leaf." (Is. lxiv. 6.)

A fortnight had passed since the day of the reader's introduction to the
dwellers in Crag Cottage; the June roses were blooming about it in even
richer profusion than before; tree, and shrub and vine were laden with
denser foliage; the place looked a very bower of beauty to the eyes of
Lester and his Elsie as the hack which had brought them from the nearest
steamboat-landing slowly wound its way up the hill on which the cottage
stood.

On the vine-covered porch Eric lay in a hammock, his little daughter, as
usual, by his side.

Though losing flesh and strength day by day, he still persevered with his
work; had spent some hours over it this morning, but was resting now, his
cheek fanned by the pure, sweet air from the mountain and river, his eyes
now feasting upon the beauties of the surrounding scenery, and anon
turning with fond, fatherly affection upon the face of the child he loved
so well.

She was proving herself an excellent nurse for one of her age; never
weary of waiting upon her loved patient, always striving to anticipate
his every want, and doing her best to e