of John Simms’ significant smile, threatened to burst out into a fierce storm of passionate sobs, she apologized for having kept Jimmie waiting so long, and taking his arm left the cottage gate just as the throng of serenaders turned into that street. Jimmie knew she had been crying, and conjecturing that she had been talking of her husband, he, too, began to speak of George, asking her many questions about him, and repeating many things he had heard in his praise from the Rockland citizens. It seemed strange that this should comfort her, but it did. The hard, bitter feeling insensibly passed away while listening to Jimmie, and by the time the Mather Mansion was reached the tears were dried on Annie’s cheeks, and outwardly she was cheerful and patient as ever. After that night Rose had no cause for complaint that Jimmie was rude to Annie, or Annie cool toward him, for though Annie talked to him but little, she did not forget the sympathy so delicately manifested for her, and treated him with as much respect as she awarded Tom, who grew each day more and more interested in the black-robed figure, reminding him so much of his lost Mary. Jimmie _knew_ he did, and watched narrowly for the time when she would know it, too; but such time did not come, for Annie had no suspicion that either of the brothers regarded her with the shadow of a feeling save that of ordinary friendship. As much of her time as possible was spent with the Widow Simms, and a great part of Isaac’s visible improvement was owing to her gentle care and the sunshine of her presence. John’s furlough had expired, and now that he was gone, the disconsolate Susan turned to Annie for comfort, while Isaac watched daily for the sound of the little feet coming up the walk, and bringing with them so much happiness to the lonely cottage. “I wish you’d stay home more; we miss you so much, and it’s so dismal without you. Mother nods over her knitting, Tom just walks the floor, or reads some stiff Presbyterian book, while Jimmie thrums the piano and teases my kitten awfully,” Rose said to Annie one night when the latter came in from a tour of calls, the last of which had been on Mrs. Baker, now a much happier, better woman, than when we first made her acquaintance. “It’s so different when you are here,” Rose continued, as Annie came and sat down by her side. “Tom is a heap more entertaining, while Jimmie is not half so mischievous and provoking.” “I did not suppose my absence could affect your happiness, or I would certainly have staid with you more,” Annie replied; and Rose continued: “Well, it just does, and now that both Tom and Jimmie are going so soon, I shall need you to oversee the things I must get ready for them.” “Captain Carleton and Jimmie going away soon!” Annie repeated, in some surprise. “Where are they going? The Captain’s furlough has not yet expired.”