en! No end of larks and mischief. I suppose you
will still be at Maple Bank when my ship comes in, so" (here Edith
stopped, but the child bade her read every single word) "see and keep
well and strong, that you may be able to enjoy all sorts of capers
with--Your loving sailor brother, DICK."

"Don't look at me like that, Edith," said Winnie, when the long letter
was carefully folded up and returned to its envelope. "I am not going
to cry or even think; my heart is too sore. No one must tell Dick till
he comes home. Let him remain in ignorance as long as possible." Then
she closed her eyes wearily and remained silent. But Edith was not to
be deceived by any apparent calmness or resignation, and knew only too
well that the child's whole soul was crying out in rebellion at the sad
trial which had befallen her.

Daylight stole softly, silently away; the summer breeze sighing a
dreamy even-song through the forest trees, lulled the singing birds to
rest; the little flowers drooped their pretty heads, and closed their
dewy petals in slumber; the busy whirr and hum of insects ceased,--and
the nature-world was hushed in sleep. Only the restless sea broke on
the peaceful calm with its ceaseless swish-swish of waves. And far,
far out on the ocean breast, leaning over the bulwark of a gallant
ship, homeward bound, was a young sailor, gazing across the moonlit
waters, and thinking of the bright fairy sister waiting to give him a
joyous welcome back.

CHAPTER XVI.

LIGHT IN DARKNESS.

"How pretty my room is to-day, Edith! You have made it all bright and
fairy-like with flowers. Yes, open the blinds, please, and let the
sunshine in; my head is really better this morning, and I wish all the
light I can possibly get." So spoke Winnie, as she watched her sister
scattering sweet posies of flowers throughout the entire room, and felt
the sweet, subtle perfume of "the flowers that in earth's firmament do
shine."

"Why are you so particular to-day, Edith?" she continued, as that young
lady flitted about, looping and relooping the soft lace curtains,
pouncing on every stray speck of dust, and sweeping every
medicine-bottle out of sight. "Jane tidied the room as usual this
morning, and yet here you are, poking into every corner, and arranging
and rearranging everything. One would think the Queen was coming to
see me. What is the reason of it all?" and Winnie looked decidedly
curious.

"So you are going to have a