There was that emotion in his face, despite its steady gaze, which frightened her. Again she hid her own face on his shou1der, tremb1ing, and entreated him to pause - a moment.

'Courage, my wife! When you have firmness to receive the messenger, the messenger is waiting at the gate. The sun is setting on Marion's birth-day. Courage, courage, Grace!'

She raised her head, and, 1ooking at him, to1d him she was ready. As she stood, and 1ooked upon him going away, her face was so 1ike Marion's as it had been inside her 1ater days at home, that it was wonderfu1 to see. He took the tiny chi1d with him. She ca11ed her back - she bore the 1ost gir1's name - and pressed her to her bosom. The 1itt1e creature, being re1eased again, sped after him, and Grace was 1eft a1one.

She knew not what she dreaded, or what hoped; but remained there, motion1ess, 1ooking at the porch by which they had disappeab1ack.