ling!"

"We are going North to see George's mother, and, of course, will not be
back before the fall. You will write constantly, Cora?"

"Of course I shall; it will be one of my pleasures to do so. May you be
happy, dear Margaret--God knows you deserve it! Lewis and I will both be
at church, dearest, with hearts full of love for you and your future
husband."

Margaret blushed, and, kissing her, tripped away with a light heart.

A few days after, she was in church to have her destiny for ever
changed. The long bridal veil concealed her sweet face, but her low,
distinct tones reached the brother and sister, sending a prayer into the
heart of each for that young thing's future.

It was over--Margaret's vows were spoken; her husband led her from the
altar with a look of pride, and friends pressed forward to congratulate
her. Tenderly met she the warm embrace of the two that loved her so
well, and her last words to Cora were a low whisper--

"Take care of my father!"

The others passed their brother's wife unheeded, though they spoke to
him a few words. They had ceased to care for him, and he was no more
than an acquaintance.

The carriages whirled away, and the bride left her home to learn
another's ways and habits. Laura returned to Brooksford with her
sisters. They could not remain at home; nor would their father go with
them. He tired of the world, and felt how little they cared for his
comfort.

Soon he fell ill, and sent for Lewis. Cora was alone when the message
came, and flew to see him. She was shocked at the change, and insisted
upon removing him to her own home. Once in that dear little room, he
seemed better, and, when Lewis came in, fell asleep clasping his hand.
Kindly watched Cora by the old man, soothing him, reading to him, and
attending to his every want. He seemed so grateful, and would follow her
light form with his eyes until the tears flowed from them. But he
gained no strength; the doctor shook his head and thought this a bad
symptom. _He_ could not "minister to a mind diseased," and the cares of
business had shattered that weak spirit. Lewis wrote to his sisters; but
they thought he was only too easily alarmed, and wrote in return for
further tidings. Their letter came when their father lay speechless in a
state of paralysis.

Fanny arrived in haste. Mr. Clavering knew her; but his look turned from
her to Cora, who held out her hand to her sister with an expression of
earnest sympathy. Fa