glowing face. He plunged at the special
matter of joy at once.

"Winifred," he said, "I am not going to China alone."

The color changed in her face at the sudden announcement.

"Who--who is it, Hubert? Is it--?"

"Adele."

"Oh, Hubert, I am so glad!" she cried joyfully, and kissed him in warm
congratulation.

Then suddenly the thought of her own loss intruded. Must she give her
up also? Her eager gladness turned to a burst of tears. How swept of
all whom she had loved, except her dear father, seemed the home scenes
now. She would gladly have restrained herself for Hubert's sake, but
the sudden grief was uncontrollable. She sobbed convulsively, as when
years ago some childish grief had broken in storms upon her and Hubert
had stood by in tearless but painful sympathy, suggesting boyish
consolations, ready to sacrifice any plaything or possession that might
mend her broken heart. Now he stood helplessly before this passionate
outburst.

"Forgive me, Winifred," he said contritely, "it is cruel of me to take
her away."

"No, it isn't," sobbed Winifred. "It is just--what I--wished. Only--I
shall--miss her so!"

"Of course," he replied pitifully.

The storm subsided, and Winifred looked at her brother apologetically.

"I am ashamed," she said, still with long catches in her breath. "I
couldn't help it. I am not sorry--she is going--I am very glad!"

"You are very brave," he said.

"But it's true," she persisted. "It's all over now, Hubert. I shall
not cry like that again. Let us talk about it."

They talked about it till the small hours came. Winifred's face
cleared of every trace of sorrow, and she loved to think of the cheer
and help that Hubert would have in the far-off land. No braver heart
of all they knew could have been found to share his pilgrimage; and
they imagined how Adele's keen sense of humor might turn many a sorry
happening into mirth. Also she had served an apprenticeship here among
the poor and outcast whom she had come to love and who loved her well.

"Winifred," said Hubert suddenly in the midst of their conversation,
"Gerald Bond is to preach for Dr. Schoolman next Sunday."

For some reason best known to himself he watched her countenance
narrowly as he made the announcement. But her fair face showed only
sweet unconsciousness.

"Really?" she said. "I am very glad."

"We must have him with us if we can. I long to talk with him about
these new things."

"Cer