"And if anybody happens to indulge in an extra morning nap, what's to be the penalty?" "A cold and lonely breakfast, I suppose. Perhaps to wash his own dishes besides." "All in favor of the hours named for meals please signify it by saying aye," said Donald. "Aye!" from every tongue. "Anything else, Miss Keith?" he asked. "Just one thing more," she answered, speaking with a sudden seriousness, and in a low, almost tremulous tone that sobered them all instantly. She went on with an effort. "We all profess to be Christians: shall we live together, even for the short space of two or three weeks, like heathen or mere worldings?" A moment's silence, then Donald said with quiet gravity, "Surely not, Mary." "We will not partake of the food God provides for our nourishment and enjoyment without asking his blessing upon it, or begin or end the day without prayer and praise, will we?" she asked. "Oh no!" came softly from the lips of Amy and Violet, and was echoed by the other voices. "Then which of you, my three cousins, Don, Edward, and Charlie, will take the lead in these acts of worship?" A longer silence than before; then Vi turned a wistful, pleading look upon her brother. There was no mistaking its meaning; and his mother's parting words were ringing in his ears. "If no one else is willing," he said, "I will do it." "Thank you, Edward," said Charlie, rising and grasping his hand; "but it would be too selfish to leave you to do it alone; so I will take my turn." "I too," said Donald. "It should never be said of a soldier that he refused to stand by his colors." "Or of a follower of Christ that he was shamed of his Master's service," added Edward. So it was arranged that they should take turns, day about, according to their age. "Five o'clock--just an hour to tea-time," Charlie said, consulting his watch: "what shall we do with it? Amy, do you feel equal to a stroll on the beach, with the support of my arm?" "Thank you, it would be very nice, but I am tired enough to think it still nicer just to lie here and look at the sea," she said. "I shall not mind being left alone, though; so, please, all the rest of you go. And to-morrow I shall be able to join you, I hope." "Ah no, we won't leave you here all alone," said several voices. "No," said Mary, "for I am going to stay with her. I am weary enough just now to prefer resting in this easy chair to a ramble on the beach or anywhere else; and beside, I want a chat with Amy." "Secrets to tell, eh?" said Charlie, picking up his hat. "Good-bye, then. Don't forget to speak well of the absent." "Oh I am so glad to be alone with you for a little while, Mary," Amy said, when the others had all gone. "I want to thank you for your kindness in asking me to come here; such a blessed relief as it was! for it seemed to me the very monotony of my life was killing me."