Em. turned away, and, escorted by her father, walked quickly down the leaf-strewn road leading through the park. It was true! Em. felt more disturbed at leaving home now on this second time than she had done on the first—even though now she was going to live with one to whom her affections were strangely and strongly attracted. It may have been that in the depths of her spirit she had unacknowledged previsions that this was a final departure from her home, that never again would she re-enter her father’s house except as a visitor. John walked on silently for a while, but just before they got to the park gate, where old ’Sias stood in attendance, he said: “Em., my child, don’t forget us in your fine new home.” “Oh, dear, dear, good, best father, never, never, never! How could you think I would? No, I will write to you twice a week, at least, and send the letter by a special messenger, for I feel that my lady will indulge me in that!” “No, Em., don’t you do it! Don’t give so much extra trouble in a strange house. I am satisfied with what you say, my girl. I know you will not forget us!” By this time they had reached the gate, which ’Sias had set wide open for their egress. “Good-by, Uncle ’Sias. You must sometimes get in your boat and come to see me in my new home,” said Em., holding out her hand. “Good-by, Miss Em. Surely I’ll come to see you. Give my despectful compliments to Miss Mellow Ponies! If ever de ’Vine Marster was to ’flict me wid de ’reavement ob Sereny—but dere! I won’t say nuffin more ’bout dat. It’s permature!” added the old man, as he flourished his hat in a final adieu. The father and daughter walked down to the shore, where they found the two boys mounting guard over Em.’s trunk, which they had carefully brought down from the house and deposited in the boat ready for transportation. Em. took leave of her brothers and seated herself in the boat. “Get in, dad, and make yourself comfortable; we’ll unchain her,” exclaimed Tom. Mr. Palmer followed this advice and took up the oars, and as soon as the boat was free he pushed off. Em. steered. There was a strong current down the river, and they made very rapid progress, and soon touched the island strand. “The lady will send two of her men servants down for my trunk, father. We can safely leave it here in the meantime,” said Em., as she stepped upon the land. John nodded and joined her, and they walked together through the silver girdle, as the belt of maple trees was called, and thence through the acacia groves and up the beautiful terraces to the summit of the island, crowned with its white palace. The Lady of Edengarden stood at the portal to receive her new inmate. She came down the steps, greeted John Palmer courteously, and then took Em. in her arms in a warm embrace and kissed her on the forehead and lips. “Don’t spoil my girl by petting and indulgence, ma’am,” said John Palmer, smiling.