“You have done me good, Miss Wyman; and now there is but one person to whom I wish to speak my thoughts, and that is-”

“My father.”

“You are right; for he can give me what I so much need-moral strength.”

“I think your next step will be to return with me,” said Dawn, in that cordial and positive manner which made it seem as though there was really no other step, or at least that it was the first to be taken.  The next day Mrs. Dalton and Dawn left together, and a feeling of relief came to Mrs. Austin, for outside of her own judgment and prejudice, she seemed to feel that it would do her sister good.  Thus are we often obliged to leap mental barriers, lay aside preconceptions, and accept what does not strictly accord with our reason, for the soul has larger orbits than those of mere mental states.

It was almost as though they had never met before, so delightful was the re-union between Dawn and her father.  Would that all might learn how closely we may come together by bodily separation, paradoxical as this may seem at first thought.

“I have been very happy, father, while away, and have brought a needy soul to you for life,” said Dawn, nestling close to that strong, protecting form, and gazing into his eyes, as though she would infuse his being with her own life.

“I am glad you have been happy, and that your happiness does not abate, but increase by change of states.  Dawn, my own darling, I saw your mother last night in my dreams.  She brought to you a blue mantle, which signifies rest and protection, a rest not of this world.  She enfolded you in it, and as you passed through the dark, sunless places of earth, the mantle grew brighter and brighter, until its color almost dazzled the human eye.  There were many who could not gaze upon it, and turned away.  Others stood until the blinding effect passed, and then followed you with their gaze.  This mantle of blue signifies inspiration, as well as rest.  They whose inner light is strong, will look upon the truths you utter, and appreciate them, while others, less strong, will turn away, blinded by their brilliancy, and repair again to their old and worn ideas.  Blue is of heaven; its quality is not of earth.  May it never fade while this mantle enwraps my child.”  Mr. Wyman remained silent for some moments, and then remarked:  “Now, if you will bring Mrs. Dalton, whom I have not seen for many years, I shall be happy to meet her.”

Dawn found her weeping bitterly, and folded her arms about her until the sobs ceased.

“I am not presentable, had I not better wait and see him to-morrow?” she said, leaning her head upon Dawn’s bosom.

“No; go now.  This is just the time for you.  You need his counsel and sympathy most, now.  Come,” and she led her like a child into his presence.

He did not meet her with formality, but took her hand, and led her to a seat, then sat beside her.  Dawn left, and soon found her mental poise.