h the gateway. She paused one
moment to look at the sun, which was setting in a sky of clear yellow,
over which little crimson clouds drifted like a fleet of fairy boats.
The orchards and hedges were budding fast. Here and there a
cherry-tree had already tied on its white hood. The air was full of
sweet prophetic smells. Altogether, Tunxet was at its very prettiest
and pleasantest, and, for all her good resolutions, Eyebright gave
way, and wept one little weep at the thought that to-morrow she and
papa must leave it all.

She dried her eyes soon, for she did not want papa to know she had
been crying, and followed to Mrs. Bury's, where Kitty and the children
were impatiently looking out for her, and every one gave her a hearty
welcome.

But in spite of their kindness, and the fun of sleeping with Kitty for
the first time, it seemed grave and lonesome to be anywhere except in
the old place where she had always been, and Eyebright began to be
glad that she and papa were to go away so soon. The home feeling had
vanished from Tunxet, and the quicker they were off, the better, she
thought.

The next morning, they left, starting before six o'clock, for the
railroad was five miles away. Early as it was, several people were
there to say good-by,--Bessie Mather, Laura Wheelwright,--who hadn't
taken time even to wash her face,--Wealthy, very gray and grim and
silent, and dear Miss Fitch, to whom Eyebright clung till the very
end. The last bag was put in, Mr. Bury kissed Eyebright and lifted her
into the wagon, where papa and Ben were already seated. Good-bys were
exchanged. Bessie, drowned in tears, climbed on the wheel for a last
hug, and was pulled down by some one. Ben gave a chirrup, the horses
began to move, and that was the end of dear old Tunxet. The last thing
Eyebright saw, as she turned for a final look, was Wealthy's grim, sad
face,--poor Wealthy, who had lost most and felt sorriest of all,
though she said so little about it.

It was a mile or two before Eyebright could see any thing distinctly.
She sat with her head turned away, that papa might not notice her wet
eyes. But perhaps his own were a little misty, for he, too, turned his
head, and it was a long time before he spoke. The beautiful morning
and the rapid motion were helps to cheerfulness, however, and before
they reached the railroad station Mr. Bright had begun to talk to Ben,
and Eyebright to smile.

She had never travelled on a railroad before, and y