"Yes, I promised mamma that I would be with you. Which way now?" he asked, as they came to the crossroads. "To the Oaks. I want to see grandpa. A caress, or even a word or smile from him, would do me good this morning." "He may not be up." "But I think he will; you know he likes to keep early hours." Mr. Dinsmore was up and pacing the veranda thoughtfully to and fro, as the young riders came in sight. He welcomed them with a smile, and lifting Vi from her pony, held her close to his heart as something very dear and precious. "My darling," he said, "your face is sad this morning; and no wonder. Yet cheer up, we will hope to see our dear travelers at home again in a few weeks, our poor fading flower restored to bloom and beauty." He made them sit down and regale themselves with some fine fresh oranges, which he summoned a servant to bring; their grandma, aunt and uncle joined them presently and they were urged to stay to breakfast, but declined. "The little ones must not be left alone this first morning without papa and mamma." On their return Rosie, a merry, healthy, romping child of five, with a rich creamy complexion, dark hair and eyes, forming a strong contrast to Vi's blonde beauty, came bounding to meet them. "O, Vi, I've been wanting you! you'll have to be mamma to us now, you know, till our real own mamma comes back. And, Eddie, you'll have to be the papa. Won't he, Vi? Come, let's all go to mamma's dress-room; my verse is ready." "What is your text, Rosie?" Violet asked when they had reached the room, sitting down and drawing the child to her side. "Take me on your lap like mamma does and I'll say it." "Now then," Vi said, complying with the request. "'When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will take me up.'" "Who taught you that, pet?" asked Vi, with a slight tremble in her low sweet tones. "Cousin Molly. I was crying for mamma and papa and she called me in there and told me I mustn't cry, 'cause Jesus loves me and will never, never go away from me." "That's like my text," said Herbert. "Mamma gave it to me for to-day. 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'" "And mine," said Harold, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,'" "'This God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death,'" repeated Vi feelingly. "That's a nice one," said Rosie. "Yes," said Eddie, "and this is a nice one for us to remember just now in connection with the dear ones on their journey, and for ourselves when we go away. Yes, now, and at all times. 'Behold I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land.'" "Isn't the Bible the sweetest book!" exclaimed Vi, "the Book of books; it has a comforting word for everybody and every time of need." The breakfast bell rang. "Oh, dear!" cried Rosie clinging to Violet, her bosom heaving with sobs, "how can we go to the table and eat without papa and mamma!"