side the window curtain to take a peep at the surroundings of
her new home. Lawn, shrubbery, flower garden, while larger than those at
Crag Cottage, were quite as well kept; neatness and order, beauty and
fragrance made them so attractive that Evelyn was tempted to a stroll
while waiting for the call to breakfast.

She stole softly down the stairs, thinking her aunt and uncle might be
still sleeping, but found the latter on the veranda, pacing to and fro
with meditative air.

"Ah, good morning, little maid!" he said in a kindly tone. "I hope you
slept well and feel refreshed?"

"Yes, uncle, thank you," she returned. "Don't you enjoy being at home
again after your long absence?"

"I do, indeed!" he answered; "there is no place like home, is there? This
is your home, too, now, Eva."

"Yes, sir," a little sadly. "You and Aunt Elsie are home to me now,
almost as papa used to be in the dear old days; and perhaps I shall learn
to love Fairview as well as I do Crag Cottage. May I go into the garden,
uncle?"

"Yes, I will take you with pleasure. Your shoes are thick I see,"
glancing down at them, "and that is well; for the walks may be a little
damp."

He led her about, calling her attention to one and another rare plant or
flower in garden and green-house, and gathering a bouquet of beautiful
and fragrant blossoms for her, then one for his wife.

Elsie joined them on the veranda as they came in at the summons to
breakfast, and Lester presented his flowers, claiming a kiss in return.

"Help yourself," she said laughingly; "and many thanks for your flowers.
And now shall we go in to breakfast? we are a little late this morning."

"Ah, our mail is already here, I see," Lester remarked, as they entered
the breakfast-room. "I will open the bag while you pour the coffee, my
dear, hoping to find a letter for each of us."

"I think there should be one for me," remarked Evelyn, watching her uncle
with wistful, longing eyes as he took out the letters and glanced over
the addresses; "for I have heard but once from mamma since she went
away."

"Twice now," her uncle said with a pleased smile, as he handed her the
longed-for missive.

"You, too, hear from your mother this morning, my dear; and from several
other friends. Here, Jane," to the servant girl in waiting, "hand these
to your mistress."

"And here is a cup of coffee to reward you; mamma's letter alone is worth
it," responded Elsie gaily, lifting the letters from