"To make a long story short, we worked away night and day almost, and he is gone. "He sailed this morning, and that is why my eyes are swollen with crying. "Mamma feels it very much; but she makes no complaint. "I cannot think what it has been that made him decide to go; but he always has been rather fond of travelling, and nothing but his wish to help mamma with us all, has kept him in England so long. "I heard her say to him once, 'My dear boy, remember God is with you wherever you go. You can never be where He is not.' "'I know, mother,' he answered; 'I do not forget it. I am thankful to know it. But for that—' "He left the sentence unfinished, and it is the only time I heard him break down in any way. "You will see, Nellie, that this was a good deal for mamma to say; but I do believe she is happier in that way than she was." Nellie announced the news of Hope's letter at once, feeling it would be easier to have it over than to be dreading it all day. Her father gave a quick glance at her face; but after that, he took it in a matter-of-fact way, for which she felt thankful. Walter's plans, and with them Christina's, were now the chief thought amongst them. He had waited for the week to look round upon it all, and then told his father that he should like to settle down with them at No. 8 till the next autumn. "Christina wishes it," he added; "and I quite agree with her. It will be the best thing, if you will have me." "Have you?" said Dr. Arundel, looking with one of his rare smiles into his son's face. "My boy, my heart has been much lighter since it has got you back." Walter thoroughly appreciated the tone of these words; and when afterwards Nellie told him that the week had seen a wonderful change for the better in their father, he was truly relieved and thankful to know that his affection and presence could lighten the gloom which had fallen on the house since he left it, only a little more than a year ago. So the winter passed away. One day in early spring, Nellie came into the nursery with a letter in her hand. "Whom is this for, do you think?" she said, holding it up, and looking across the room to Tom's couch. "Not for me, is it?" he asked, while a flush of pleasure came over his face. "I never get letters." "Yes it is, Tom," said Nellie, advancing and putting it in his hand. Netta and Isabel, who were fast getting out of "nursery children," happened to be there, and came close to see what it could be. It was a delicately-folded note, and inside Tom read aloud, with some dismay: "The pleasure of Master Tom Arundel's society is desired at Sunnyside for a fortnight, accompanied by his sister Ada." "What does it mean?" asked Tom, looking rather anxiously at Nellie. "I should think it means you are to go and stay at Hampstead." "Oh!" said Tom. "But I don't think I can stay anywhere."