"Yes," Mrs. Headley went on, "I had a lovely two months with her; 'cheered her heart,' she said. We had time to talk together of all the way we had been led. I learned from her how faith in God can triumph when outward circumstances are anything but prosperous (for she had not let me know all these years what a struggle she had had with poverty); and then I was, through dear father's kindness, able to arrange things a little better for her, and to add several comforts to her lot. Directly I got there, dear father let me buy an invalid chair for her, and many things which eased her exceedingly, and I prepared to leave her with the prospect of her never being so straitened again; for he allowed me to arrange for her to receive that little money I have of my own, which added to her small income would make a great difference. "But the Lord knew best; and though He let me do all this for my mother, that my heart might be comforted, He took the care of her into His own hands. "Just a week before we sailed I was sitting with her one evening when she said, as quietly as we are talking now: "'My dear, the Lord's been very good to give you to me--long ago, and now. The journey is almost over, but _He_ is at the end.' "I only clasped her hand in answer; for she looked tired, and I thought she would sleep; and so she did--but it was to wake to find herself at the end of her journey, and with Him." "Dear mother," said John, coming over to kiss her, "why did you not tell us? We have been too cheerful and noisy for you to-night." "No," she answered. "I would not have saddened our return to you for anything. I am _not_ sad, children. If the dear Lord had asked me I could not have chosen anything I should like better. To have been with her for nearly two months, and then to have watched her go home, what could heart wish more?" "Then is that why Agnes has been crying since you came?" asked Minnie, turning round to look up in her sister's tearful face. "Perhaps," said her mother; "for Agnes guessed at once, and it has come as sad news to her; but she will rejoice in my joy soon." "I'm glad you went," said Hugh, "even though----" "Even though what, dear?" asked his mother. "Even though I've had such a lot to learn while you've been gone." "So have I," said John humbly; and Mr. Headley added: "But the lessons learned in our Father's school are golden lessons, and can never fade away." [Illustration] LONDON: JOHN F. SHAW AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. * * * * * _John F. Shaw & Co.'s Publications._ STORIES BY CATHARINE SHAW. =ALICK'S HERO.= Large Crown 8vo, cloth. Illustrated. 2/6. "Mrs. Shaw has added to our delight in noble boyhood, as well as to her own reputation, in this most charming of her works."--_The Christian._ =ONLY A COUSIN.= Crown 8vo, 2/6.