“Yes, mamma, and his God as well as mine,” Violet responded, looking up and smiling through her tears.  “Ah, what comfort in both assurances, and in the precious promise, ’Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.’  It is his and it is mine.”

“Yes, dearest.  I feel for you in your loneliness,” her mother said, putting her arms around her.  “Elsie is very happy in her husband and baby, Edward in his wife; they need me but little, comparatively, but you and I must draw close together and be a comfort and support to each other; shall we not, my love?”

“Yes, indeed, dearest mamma.  Oh, what a comfort and blessing you are to me, and always have been!  And I am happier and less lonely for having my husband’s children with me, especially my darling little Gracie.  I feel that in caring for her and nursing her back to health I shall be adding to his happiness.”

“As no doubt you will,” her mother said.  “It will be a pleasure to me to help you care for her, and the others also.  Now, good-night, daughter; we both ought to be in bed.”

Violet presently stretched herself beside the sleeping Gracie with a murmured word of endearment drew the child closer to her, and in another moment was sharing her slumbers.

When she awoke the sun was shining, and the first object her eyes rested upon was the little face by her side.  The pallor and look of exhaustion it had worn the night before were quite gone, a faint tinge of pink had even stolen into the cheeks.

Violet noted the change with a feeling of relief and thankfulness, and raising herself upon her elbow, touched her lips lightly to the white forehead.

The child’s eyes flew open and with a sweet engaging smile, she asked, “Have you been lying beside me all night, mamma?”

“Yes, Gracie.  You have had a long sleep, dear; do you feel quite rested?”

“Yes, mamma, I feel very well.  This is such a nice soft bed, and I like to sleep with you.  May I always?”

“For all winter, I think, dear.  I like to have your papa’s baby girl by my side.”

“I’m very much obliged to him for finding me such a sweet, pretty new mamma.  I told him so one day,” remarked the child innocently, putting an arm about Vi’s neck.

“Did you?” Violet asked with an amused smile; “and what did he say?”

“Nothing; he just smiled and hugged me tight and kissed me ever so many times.  Do you know what made him do that, mamma?”

“Because he likes to have us love one another.  And so we will, won’t we, dear?”

“Yes, indeed!  Mamma, I feel a little hungry.”

“I’m glad to hear it, for here comes Agnes with a glass of nice rich milk for you.  And when you have drunk it she will wash and dress you.  We will all have to hurry a little to be ready in good time for breakfast,” she added, springing from the bed and beginning her toilet.  “Grandpa Dinsmore never likes to have us late.”