led to do so.

It was evening, and the two sat folded in each other's arms, gazing at
an autumn sunset. Winnie was still in her black habiliments, for it was
not quite a year since Mrs. Santon had died. Harry had left them the day
before, and had bade them both a warm farewell. Winnie had been silent
for some moments, when Natalie remarked,--"What new scheme are you
planning now, Winnie? you are very thoughtful to-night."

Winnie roused herself, and blushingly replied, "I do not wonder that
you note my thoughtful moments, I am such a gay creature; but, dear
Natalie, there are times when even _I_ can be serious, though there are
few who could credit my words."

"I can believe you, Winnie, for I know you have a good heart; but what
can have occurred of sufficient importance to banish those dimples from
your cheek? Come, rogue, make me your confidant, or I shall begin to
think you are at your old tricks, after all."

"If I did not know your forgiving spirit, I should hesitate to place
myself in your power, for fear you might repay me with interest, in
making you, and your particular friend Mr. Delwood, the subjects of my
merriment."

Natalie looked calmly into her eyes; the truth flashed across her mind
at once, and she was about to clasp her in her arms, calling her by the
name of sister, when a well-known voice from behind them repeated the
name, "Sea-flower," and Mr. Delwood was by her side.

"Where did you learn the name by which I am called in my island home?"