She had been closely confined to the sick-room for several days, so that it was a treat to have her with them at breakfast and at family worship, which followed directly upon the conclusion of the meal.

It surprised them a little that when the short service came to an end, she did not even then return at once to her sick little ones, but putting on a garden hat invited her eldest daughter to do likewise and come with her for a short stroll in the grounds.

“It will do us both good,” she said as they stepped from the veranda upon the broad, gravelled walk, “the air is so sweet and pure at this early hour; and you have not been out in it at all, have you?”

“No, mamma; and what a treat it is to take it in your dear company,” Elsie responded, gathering a lovely, sweet-scented flower and placing it in the bosom of her mother’s dress.

“Thank you, love,” Mrs. Travilla said; then went on to speak feelingly of the beauty and fragrance that surrounded them, and the unnumbered blessings of their lot in life.

“Mamma, you seem to have a heart always filled with love and gratitude to God, and never to be troubled with the least rebellious feeling, or any doubts or fears for the future,” remarked Elsie, sighing slightly as she spoke.

“Have we any right or reason to indulge repining, doubts, or fears, when we know that all is ordered for us by One who loves us with an everlasting and infinite love, and who is all-wise and all-powerful?  O my darling, no!  Well may we say with the Psalmist, ’I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’  Oh what a blessed assurance! goodness and mercy while here in this world of trial—­all things working together for our good, that so we may be brought at last safely to our desired haven—­and then to be forever with the Lord!”

“Mamma, I have been so anxious and troubled about my little brother and sister, and about Lester, I needed the lesson you have just given me, and hope I shall profit by it.”

“My dearest child, have faith in God; try to believe with all your heart that he will never send you or any of his children one unneeded pang.  I am sure you could never think I—­your tender mother—­would give you the slightest pain except for your certain good; and what is my love for you compared to that of your Saviour? who died that you might live!”

“Mamma,” cried the young girl, pausing in her walk, laying her hand on her mother’s arm and looking searchingly into the sweet, compassionate face, while her own grew deathly pale, “what is it you are trying to prepare me for?  O mamma!”

A rustic seat stood close at hand.

“Let us sit down here for a moment, dear daughter,” Mrs. Travilla said, drawing Elsie to it with an arm about her waist.  “You are right, my child—­I have news for you.  Oh, not the worst, dearest!” as Elsie seemed to gasp for breath.  “Lester lives, but is very ill with typhoid fever.”