mother by the hand, and led her from the room,
closing the door upon the sacredness of grief.

"Yes, we are poorer than we thought; but
when everything is settled, we shall get on very
well. We can let a part of this great house, and
live quietly together until spring; then Laura will
be married, and Di can go on their travels with
them, as Philip wishes her to do. We shall be
cared for; so never fear for us, John."

Nan said this, as her friend parted from her a
week later, after the saddest holiday he had ever
known.

"And what becomes of you, Nan?" he asked,
watching the patient eyes that smiled when
others would have wept.

"I shall stay in the dear old house; for no other
place would seem like home to me. I shall find
some little child to love and care for, and be quite
happy till the girls come back and want me."

John nodded wisely, as he listened, and went
away prophesying within himself,--

"She shall find something more than a child to
love; and, God willing, shall be very happy till
the girls come home and--cannot have her."