Mr. Goodall had a shop of stationery, fancy goods, desks, work-boxes, trinkets, and better class ornaments. So Ben was very anxious to get on with his lessons, and looked forward eagerly to again earning his living. Little Kit was fast losing her pale cheeks and thin limbs; a nice colour often showed in her face, and her arms and hands were getting quite plump and brown. Her father and mother could scarcely bear her out of their sight, she was the light of their eyes. Ben was often astonished at the fun and spirit she showed; though she was quiet and gentle at times, yet occasionally she made them all merry with her funny ways and lively pranks. The morning after their arrival at the sea, the little party were grouped upon the sand, the elder ones for the most part watching the children's enjoyment, and helping them to build up sand-houses, make heaps and holes, and fill their buckets with the salt water. What a change this for the two little ones who, for almost all their lives had known no other pleasures than those to be found in Peters Street! After a while the children--Ben, Kit, Willie, and Nellie Craig--ran off to a piece of sand some little distance away, and the parents began talking together. They spoke of the one who was gone, and of his happiness with the Lord Jesus. The poor old mother shed some tears, but they were not those of rebellion; she rejoiced to know that her son was beyond all sorrow and pain, and she was glad not to have "to leave him behind her," when her call came. Michael being "off duty" had left his "stern" look behind, and was much enjoying a lounge on the beach. He had felt the loss of his brother keenly, and had found great comfort in the friendship of Harry Gray, who was able to point to "John's Saviour." The two young mothers found plenty to talk about, as they sat with their babies beside them. They spoke of past joys and sorrows, of little ones gone before--for each had lost a child--and of the different tempers and dispositions of those left under their care. "We thought our Kittie had neither temper nor faults, for some time after we found her, but now that her health is coming back, we find out she is a bit quick like the rest." "It is better they should have a little spirit, though it needs checking," replied Mrs. Craig. In the midst of their conversation they were startled by a cry from Kit, and in a moment Michael and Harry were on their feet. The children had been busy digging, and had not noticed that the tide on coming in had formed quite a little island of the piece of sand on which they were playing.