"I have just come down from looking after them myself, Master Robert; and nothing could be prettier nor nicer." "Well, nurse, help me to take these flowers upstairs, and show me all your beautiful decorations." Alice was right: nothing nicer or prettier than the room prepared for Katharine could be seen. A bright fire burned in the polished grate, and a soft white lambskin rug lay before the fender; the chintz curtains shaded the windows cosily, and the uncovered carpet looked fresh and gay; the simple furniture was tastefully disposed; and a low velvet chair, borrowed from the drawing-room, stood invitingly before the fire. Ellen had been fond of flowers, and some pretty Parian vases were among the ornaments of her forsaken chamber. Aided by Alice, Robert arranged the flowers he had brought--and which, though numerous, were not various, for even money will not avail to procure floral variety in December--and disposed the vases as his taste dictated. Then they set the flower-pots in the balcony, and looked round approvingly on their completed task. The two faithful friends stood a while in silence, and then Robert said, "Is all ready downstairs as well?" "All ready, my dear; and not long to wait now, God be praised! What are you going to do--not going to the station to meet them surely, are you?" "O no, nurse--I'm going to wait for her here; and I want you to take care that I'm not disturbed. I have a great deal to think about, Alice, and I want to be alone now until she comes." "Very well, Robert; no one shall come near you. What time is it now?" "Half-past four. Have plenty of light downstairs, that the house may look cheerful when she comes; and, Alice, I will light the gas here now, so shut the shutters." He went with her to one of the windows to aid her, and they looked out. The red wintry sun was going down in a fiery ball, and red streaks were lying low upon the sky. "They have had a pleasant journey, no doubt," said Alice cheerfully; "and they're on the sea now, I suppose." Robert made her no answer: he was looking at the sunset, a fold of the shutter in each hand. He closed them together, fastened the bolt, and drew the curtains, while Alice lighted the gas-lamps. His face was very pale, but there was a smile of exultation and delight upon it. He spoke aloud, forgetting his reticence in his joy: "The last sun has set that I shall see rise without her. All my troubles are over, nurse." The old woman went up to him, gently lifted her arms, and drew his face down towards her own. She kissed him fondly more than once, and said in a low broken tone, "God bless you, my darling boy! Don't forget the Lord, who has granted you your heart's desire." Then she left the room quickly, and went downstairs, wiping her eyes with her apron.