“Very; and he is here now.”

“Then you believe in the presence of spirits, and their cognizance of us, and we of them?”

“Yes, for many years, and have been led by their advice.”

“I am at rest.  I find many who believe in communion, but not communication.  I accept both.”

“And so do I. We will compare experiences, and have many happy hours.  How much we shall all enjoy.  You must know my brother, Miss Wyman, for he, too, loved Ralph with all the ardor of his deep nature.”

The next hour Dawn sat alone in communion with self, wondering at the daily events of life, and her own deepening womanhood.  Life to her was growing richer each day.  She felt that she was catching the divine breath, and coming into celestial harmony, which is the soul’s true state.  O, what bliss awaits us, when we have passed from the exterior to the interior life; a state not of worlds, but of soul, where we come into divine submission, and can say, “Thy will, not mine, be done.”

CHAPTER XXX.

Mrs. Austin left the next day, and the soul-united trio were alone.  Only those who know the value of fresh minds and blending qualities of heart and spirit, can realize how much they enjoyed together.  To Dawn, Basil seemed new and old,—­old in acquaintance, as we ever find those who have pursued the same current of thought; new in the power of presenting truth to her mind, in fresh combination and coloring.  He had all the delicacy of Ralph, with more mental vigor, and broader experiences.

His sister, Dawn learned to love better every day, as she witnessed the exercise of her varied powers, all working in harmony, and rounding her life into completeness.

“I could live here forever,” she exclaimed, one morning, when nature was sparkling with diamond drops of dew, and singing her morning praises.

“Then stay forever,” said a voice, deep and musical, at her side.  “Why not stay forever? for we should stay where we live the most,” said Basil, laying his hand on her head.  “I suppose, however, the ‘forever’ meant, so long as your life here is replete with enjoyment, did it not?”

“Yes, I suppose that is our definition of ‘forever,’ and as it is a portion of it, we may properly call it thus.”

“Then see that you stay your ‘forever,’ and make us happy in so doing,” and his earnest eyes fastening their gaze on hers, told how dearly he loved to have her there.

The bell rang for breakfast, and the little party brought bright faces and fresh thoughts to the meal.

“Would you like to sail upon the pond, to-day?” inquired Miss Bernard of Dawn.

“Nothing better, if there are lilies we can gather.”

“There is a plenty, so we shall go.  You will see my brother in a new phase to-day, Miss Wyman, for nothing calls forth the sweetness of his nature like sailing.”

“I should advise one to go often, if it had that effect,” said Dawn scarce daring to lift her eyes.