ionable resort to another; and in that case Evelyn would be
only a burden and care to her: one she will probably be glad to get rid
of. I see plainly that it could be for neither your happiness nor Laura's
to attempt to live together; but perhaps you would be willing to receive
her as a guest occasionally, and for a short time?"

"Certainly," Lester said; "and to assist her pecuniarily, if necessary."

"Thank you for the generous offer," returned Eric, gratefully; "but there
will be no need to trespass upon your kindness in that way. Laura has
some money of her own, and her proportion of mine will make her very
comfortable; while the remainder will be sufficient to clothe and educate
Evelyn, and give her a moderate income afterward for the rest of her
life, if it is not lost in any way; and that she will not be robbed of it
in her minority I feel certain, having been so fortunate as to secure you
for my executor," he added, with an affectionate glance and smile.

"I shall certainly do the best I can to take care of it for her," Lester
said, his voice a little unsteady with the thought that these were his
brother's dying wishes to which he was listening; "but I am not a
business man, and--"

"I am quite willing to trust to your good sense, honesty, and love for
your niece," interrupted Eric, hearing the approaching footsteps of Elsie
and his daughter.

Evelyn's wish that she might sometimes have her father to herself was
gratified. Lester and Elsie were thoroughly considerate, and almost every
day went out together for an hour or more, leaving the little girl to
perform the duties of nurse.

Then there was an interchange of confidences and endearments such as was
not indulged in the presence of any third person, and Eric improved the
occasion to give his darling much tender and wise fatherly counsel which
he thought might be of use to her in the coming years when he would no
longer be at her side.

He did not tell her of the trial that was drawing so near--the parting
that would rend her heart--but she more than half suspected it, as she
saw him day by day grow weaker, paler, and thinner.

But the very idea was so terrible that she put it resolutely from her,
and thought and talked hopefully of the time when he would be well again.

And he could not bear to crush the hope that made her so bright and
happy; but he spoke often to her of the blessedness of those who sleep in
Jesus, and made her read to him the pass