Darkness had been upon the earth for a long time. It was a period of war and bloodshed, crime and disaster. The old earth seemed draped in habiliments of mourning; and there was cause for aching hearts, for out of many homes had gone unto battle sons, fathers, and husbands, who would return no more. They fell in service; and kind mothers and wives could not take one farewell look at their still, white faces, but must go about their homes as though life had lost none of its helps. * * * * * "The poor, sad earth!" said one of a glad band, belonging to a starry sphere above. "I long to comfort its people; but my mission is given me to guide souls through the death valley, and bear them to their friends in the summer-land. I must not leave my post of duty. Who will go?" "I will," said Love, in sweet, silvery tones. "You are too frail to descend into such darkness as at present envelops the earth; beside, they need another, a different element just now, to prepare the way for better things." "Who shall it be?" they all said, and looked from one to the other. "Hope," said their leader, the queen of the starry band. There was to be high festival that night, in a temple dedicated to the Muses; and it was quite a sacrifice for any of their number to leave their happy sphere, for one so dark as that of earth. Hope came forward at the mention of her name, holding in her hand the half-finished garland which she had been twining for one of the Graces. "Wilt thou go to earth to-night, fair Hope?" asked the queen. The star on her fair brow glittered brighter as she said unhesitatingly, "I will." "Your mission will be to carry garlands to every habitation which has a light within. The others you cannot, of course, discern. Come now, and let me clasp this strong girdle about thy waist, to which I shall attach a cord, by which to let you down to earth." They filled her arms with garlands, and flung some about her neck, till she was laden and ready to go. "Now," said their leader, "descend on this passing cloud; and while you are gone we will sing anthems for you, to keep your heart bright and linked to ours." Then she fastened the cord to her golden girdle, and let her down gently from the skies. * * * * * In a little cottage by a roadside sat Mary Deane and her sister, reading. They were two fair orphans whose father and brother were lost in battle. "Let's put out the light, and look at the stars awhile," said the youngest. "Not yet, dear, it's too early. There may be some passer-by, and a light is such a comfort to a traveler on the road. Many a time our neighbor's light has sent a glow over me which has enabled me to reach home much sooner, if not in better humor." "As you like, sister,--but hark! I thought I heard footsteps." They listened, and, hearing nothing more, finished their reading and retired to rest.