before.

"Aunt Maria," she said slowly, "I wish you would explain... You talk of
goodness and mercy, but--don't be shocked!--it doesn't seem to me that
you have so _much_ to be thankful for! ... You are rich, of course, but
that doesn't count for much by itself, and your life must have been
hard... You are delicate, and your husband died, and you have no
children--no one to live with you in this big house. Now when you _are_
old you are so lonely that you are glad to have me--a girl like me--for
a few weeks' visit! When I go away you will be lonely again..."

A tremor passed over Lady Hayes's face; the thin fingers crossed and
uncrossed themselves on her lap, but she smiled, a brave and patient
smile. "You are right, Darsie. I have had bitter trials, nevertheless
I have gained the greatest treasure that is given to any one on this
earth."

"What is that, Aunt Maria?"

"Peace in my soul, child--`the peace of God, which passeth
understanding,'" said the old woman solemnly.

There was silence in the room. Darsie bent her head, awed and touched
by the sound of those wondrous words. A month ago, at home with her
brothers and sisters, she would have scoffed at the idea of peace in
connection with Great-aunt Maria, but a closer intimacy had altered her
opinion. About the trifling affairs of every day Aunt Maria continued
to fuss. No one could deny for a moment that she fussed; but the big
demands of life found her calm, serene, prepared. On the surface the
waters might dash occasionally into foam, but the deep, strong current
bore steadily towards the sea!

Darsie pondered, and as though divining the course of her thoughts, Lady
Hayes spoke once more.

"Perhaps that appears to you a serious statement for me to make, since
there are times when I must appear a very unpeaceful person. I am apt
to be unduly concerned about trifles, to my own exhaustion and that of
others. I am aware of the fact, and also that to one of your impetuous
disposition such a failing must be particularly trying. Nevertheless,
Darsie,"--the old voice deepened impressively--"_the peace is there_!"

Slowly, thoughtfully Darsie bowed her head.

"Yes, I know. I've _felt_ it. It has made me ashamed. The human part
of you may get out of hand sometimes, but you are _very_ nearly an
angel, Aunt Maria. You haven't much more to learn!"

Lady Hayes shook her head, but her hand fell on Darsie's head with a
tender touch, and a light shon