“We will not put you to the test,” he said, “but we hope to sail next Tuesday.”

CHAPTER III.

“We all do fade as a leaf.” (Is. lxiv. 6.)

A fortnight had passed since the day of the reader’s introduction to the dwellers in Crag Cottage; the June roses were blooming about it in even richer profusion than before; tree, and shrub and vine were laden with denser foliage; the place looked a very bower of beauty to the eyes of Lester and his Elsie as the hack which had brought them from the nearest steamboat-landing slowly wound its way up the hill on which the cottage stood.

On the vine-covered porch Eric lay in a hammock, his little daughter, as usual, by his side.

Though losing flesh and strength day by day, he still persevered with his work; had spent some hours over it this morning, but was resting now, his cheek fanned by the pure, sweet air from the mountain and river, his eyes now feasting upon the beauties of the surrounding scenery, and anon turning with fond, fatherly affection upon the face of the child he loved so well.

She was proving herself an excellent nurse for one of her age; never weary of waiting upon her loved patient, always striving to anticipate his every want, and doing her best to entertain him and make him forget his pain.

She was talking of their expected guests.

“I am so glad they are coming, papa,” she said, “for I hope it will cheer you and do you much good to see your brother.”

“And sister,” he added with a faint smile; “your Aunt Elsie is a very lovely and interesting woman.”

“Yes, but I hope they will let me have my father to myself sometimes,” she said, laying her cheek lovingly against the hand that was clasping hers.  “I’m hardly willing to share you even with Uncle Lester.”

“No, not all the time,” he responded; “we must have an hour alone together now and then.  I should not like to be deprived of it any more than you.”

She had lifted her head, and was gazing toward the river.  “Papa, I think they are here!” she exclaimed.  “There is a carriage coming up the drive.”

“Ah, I hope so,” he said, his pale cheek flushing with pleasure; and excitement lending him momentary strength, he hastily stepped from the hammock, and with Evelyn went forward to greet and welcome the travellers as they alighted, the hack having now drawn up before the entrance.

Both Lester and Elsie were much moved at sight of their brother—­so sadly changed from the vigorous man from whom they parted less than a year before.

Elsie had much ado to hide her emotion, and even Lester’s voice was husky and tremulous as he returned Eric’s greeting and made inquiries regarding his health.

“It is much the same as when I wrote you,” Eric answered, holding fast to his brother’s hand, and gazing with a look of strong affection into his face.  “And you are quite well?”