"And you have brought that happiness to many a one, my dear mother," Harold said, giving her a tenderly affectionate look. "How often in thinking of you I recall those words of the prophet Daniel, 'And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.'" "'Tis a precious promise," she said with emotion. "Oh, my son, make it the business of your life to do that; to help to the healing of souls--the immortal part--even more than that of the frail bodies which must soon die." "Yes, mother," he said with emotion, "I do try constantly to do that; and it is a great comfort and help to me to know that my dear mother is often asking for me help from on high." "Yes," she said; "without that none of us could accomplish anything in the way of winning souls for Christ; and every Christian should feel that that is his principal work. This life is so short and the never-ending ages of eternity are so long. 'Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest.'" They walked on in silence for a little, then Harold remarked that the air was delightful and a little more extended walk might prove beneficial to them both. "Yes," replied his mother, "let us take a stroll through the orange orchard; the sight and perfume of the fruit and blossoms are delightful." "Yes, indeed!" he said, "and you can see, mother, whether everything is properly cared for." "I expect to find it so," she returned, "as I have every reason to believe my overseer both faithful and competent." They enjoyed their stroll greatly and she found no reason to change her estimate of the overseer. It was lunch time when they returned to the house, and on leaving the table some of their party went for a row on the bayou while the rest chose riding or driving through the beautiful woods. Evelyn and Max, Lucilla and Chester formed the riding party and greatly enjoyed their little excursion. The courting of the two young couples was carried on in a very quiet way, but was none the less satisfactory and enjoyable for that. But all four of them felt a great interest in the approaching wedding and much of their talk as they rode was of it, and what gifts to the bride would be the most appropriate and acceptable. "Chester, you know you have promised to advise me what to give to Sidney," Lucilla said, with a smile into his eyes. "You dear girl! so I will and I make that same request of you, for I am sure you know far more about such matters than I do," he returned with a very loverlike look. "Quite a mistake, Mr. Dinsmore," she laughed. "But I understood you intended to give some part of the trousseau--perhaps the wedding dress." "Yes; that and pretty much all the rest of it. And I am sure your help will be invaluable in the choice of the various articles."