r own tears quickly away, and taking the hand of her
old friend, led her back to the kitchen. For several moments her
companions waited anxiously for her; and soon she advanced slowly to
meet them. Frank drew her arm through his, and sadly they walked away.
Passing the gate, Mary paused and looked out on the river, where she
had so often sat at this hour; and sad though sweet associations,
infinite in number, crowded upon her mind.

How calm and beautiful all nature seemed, as though arrayed in its
loveliest garb to chain her affection, that, in after years, the
memory of that western home might steal gently up amidst surrounding
gloom, to charm away the anguish of some bitter hour, and soothe the
saddened spirit. Her heart was inexpressibly touched, and she averted
her head to conceal the expression of keen sorrow which rested on her
face.

"This view of the San Antonio has often struck me as particularly
fine," said Dr. Bryant, turning to Florence, whose pale cheek alone
attested regret at leaving her home.

"Yes, I know none superior; and our favorite ramble was along this
bank, and down the river side."

"Its windings are multitudinous, yet how graceful every curve: and
then, the deep blue of its waters adds not a little to the beauty of
the whole. But we have not leisure to admire it now, for your cousin
must not be chilled, and the wind blows freshly from the north."

He stepped on as he spoke, but feeling the small hands clasped over
his arm, looked earnestly down into the pale face at his side. Mary
was bending a last, long look on house and tree and river; as they
walked on, the different objects passed beyond her view, and then a
faint moan escaped her lips. She met the anxious gaze of her friend,
and replied to its silent questioning:

"Forgive what doubtless seems a great weakness. You and Florry can
not sympathize with me now. You will both return ere long, but my eyes
have rested for the last time on each loved object. I have dreaded
this parting from the home that has grown so dear to me--but the pang
is over."

Her deep blue eyes rested on his face, and touchingly sad was the
expression, as she swept back the clustering hair from her brow.
The lips quivered, as of late they often did when she was excited.
Florence did not hear her words, for she had crossed the street; but
Frank's heart throbbed violently as he listened to her low, sad tone.
Laying his hand on hers, that were tightly clasped, he