Thus situated, the children had learned to be happy for the present hour, with any one who happened to have the charge of them. General La Tourette, though a native of France, spoke English in his family, and to that language his little ones were accustomed. They took no fancy to the cross French nurse who had latterly had the charge of them, and much preferred Daph, whose English was pleasant to their ears. They loved to linger at the door of her southern kitchen, or play under the wide-spreading tree that waved over its roof. Daph returned their affection with all the strength of her warm heart, and Mrs. La Tourette felt sure that in her absence, Daph would watch over both children and nurse with an eagle-eye. With more of the dove than the eagle in her expression, Daph now sat beside the little ones in their new home, so far from the land of their birth. Not long after her preparations were completed, Daph had the satisfaction of seeing the children awake, refreshed by their long sleep, and full of eager delight at the wonders achieved by their new nurse. She listened with hearty satisfaction to their exclamations of surprise and pleasure at the shining tin and gayly painted chairs. Daph was just wondering what was to fill plates and cups that looked so attractive, when a bell was rung imperatively, in the street, before the house. From all sides women and girls gathered round the bell-ringer’s cart, and from his great cans he filled their vessels with milk, which was at this moment most refreshing to the eyes of Daph. She seized her new saucepan, and sallying out, presented it to the milkman, and received her supply. She watched carefully the bits of money given by other applicants and was fortunate enough to select, from the change she had that day received, the right payment for the milk. In a few moments, the children were seated at the little table, and enjoying their nice supper of crackers and milk, in a way that made Daph’s eyes sparkle with delight. “Daffy eat too!” said Charlie, motioning to her to put the spoon in her mouth, instead of his own. “Yes, Daffy,” said Louise, “do take some supper.” Daph had hardly thought once of herself during the whole of this busy afternoon, but when the children had finished their meal, she filled her cup with the fare they had enjoyed, and ate it with no less satisfaction. “Daph knew de great Lord would take care of us!” she murmured, as she looked round on the room that seemed to her so comfortable, and true, fervent gratitude, undisturbed by one fear for the future, filled the heart of the faithful negro. VI. Clouds.