"Oh," the wife began, eagerly, "we have been planning some pleasures so we shall not feel Willard's loss too keenly. You must teach Marguerite to ride and to play chess and we will read the old poets. Some of them are so charming. Why it will seem as if we had gone in an enchanted country--the Forest of Arden." How bright and smiling she was! He kissed her and then sat down on the other side of Marguerite. He had been afraid he would find her in sore need of comfort. Aunt Kate came in presently. "Zaidee has fallen asleep," she said. "She was completely unnerved by the parting. Her feelings are so strong, her love has such depths to it, so I have been soothing her to comparative tranquility. You will not miss this one good-night." "We shall all miss the boy very much, and he will return to us a man of full stature. I think we can trust him to return as true and honorable as when he went away. Yes, he and Zaidee have been together a great deal this last six months and she will miss him sorely." "But there will be school and new interests," said the mother. "We must see Mrs. Barrington and make some future arrangements. Why in May the girls will be sixteen!" "Sixteen!" re-echoed their father. "Let us have them set back." "Oh no," cried Marguerite, "rather let us stay just here. I should like to make two days of every one. I am afraid no day will be long enough." Miss Crawford turned away. The others resumed their talk and she heard their joyous voices. "Poor Zay! Poor Willard!" she said, under her breath. When she went to her room and it was quite late the gas was lighted, her bed been put in the most inviting order and there lay a pretty nightdress with its garniture. She colored with a thrill of pleasure. Then she turned and surveyed herself in the glass. Her eyes had a luminous softness, there was a faint pink in her cheeks and her lips had lost their compression, were absolutely shaped into a smile. If she _could_ grow prettier! But her parents loved her. She knew that and it filled her with joy. Zaidee was bright as usual the next morning and hovered about her father in a tender manner. "By this time Willard was in Washington. When would he know his time of sailing?" "I believe the vessel is at Fortress Monroe; we will hear soon." "Aunt Kate we ought to make some calls today and Margie Putnam has a tea this afternoon, just an informal little affair. Her cousin has come from Providence, I believe, and will try to get in at Mrs. Barrington's. I should think there would be lovely schools in Providence." "I want to go over to Mrs. Barrington's this morning," said Mrs. Crawford, "about ten; will you order the carriage?" to her husband. Then she asked the maid to unpack a box that they had brought home on their last journey. There were many beautiful materials. They did seem extravagant at the time, but she was rather glad now.