“Life would indeed be blessed to me, could I feel an assurance that my mother was near me to strengthen me in my hours of weakness, and that she was interested in my labors.”

“I know all our earnest longings are answered, and that sufficient proof will be given you.  Say nothing of this conversation to Dawn.  I have my reasons, and should not be surprised if, in a few days, she should give you a test of spirit presence.”

“Can Dawn see as clearly as yourself?”

“She can, and far better.  I do not force the gift upon her, or seek to overwork her powers.  I want it to be natural and to unfold with all her other capacities.  Never question her, let all come freely.”

“I will remember; and here she comes laden as usual with flowers.”

“O, Miss Vernon, O, papa, I have had such a good time!” she exclaimed out of breath and almost wild with excitement.

“What was it all about, child?”

“I was on the hill out here, getting flowers, when I seemed to hear music, all at once in the air.  I think I went to sleep, but if it was a dream I know it means something, for I saw a tall, beautiful lady come to me, and on her forehead were the letters, M. V. Then she took a little box inlaid with gems, and drew from it a necklace of pearls, and then she went away, and as she turned-I saw these words come like a light-’Tell Florence.’  Now, papa, what did it mean?”

Mr. Wyman turned to Miss Vernon who was weeping.  He waited until her emotion subsided and then said,—­

“Your mother, was it not?”

“They were my mother’s initials.  Her name was Mabel Vernon, and mine Florence.”

“How strange.  And the necklace, do you recognize that?”

“My mother gave me-on her dying bed-a pearl necklace in such a box as described by Dawn.”

“And we did not know your name was Florence.  We only knew you as Miss Vernon.”

“Can it-can this be true?  Ah, something tells me I may believe.  I am too full now, Mr. Wyman, to talk.  I must go.”

“Call me Hugh, Florence, I am your brother—­” and he led her gently to the house.

She remained in her room all that evening.  Deep and strong was the tide which was setting into her new life.  “If ’t is true, ’t is the greatest truth mortal has found,” she said again and again to herself, as the old upheaved, and the new flowed into her soul.  Life was becoming almost too full; her brain grew fevered, but at last sweet sleep, that soul refiner, came, and after a night’s repose she awoke, calm and at rest.

CHAPTER V.

After breakfast, Mr. Wyman informed Miss Vernon and Dawn that he should go away that day on business, and be absent perhaps two weeks.

“I have a book which I would like you to take to Miss Evans for me to-day,” he said, addressing Miss Vernon.

“The lady who called here soon after I came?”