On the afternoon of the picnic Precious Winans swung lazily in a hammock on the long front piazza, while her favorite, Kay, the immense mastiff, lay within touch of the tiny white hand that every little while reached down to caress the tawny head. At some distance away Mistress Norah, the good-natured nurse, sat cozily in an armchair, knitting lace. Along the lattice-work that shaded the end of the piazza clambered a great honeysuckle vine loaded with odorous, creamy-white blooms. Here the busy little bees hummed ceaselessly, bright-winged butterflies hovered, and two robins flew in and out of the branches with straws for a nest. The golden sunshine sifting through the leaves in light and shade on the girl's white gown and sunny head seemed like the spirit of peace spreading its brooding wings over the lovely, quiet scene. Precious had been reading a book of poems. It lay open now under one white hand, and with half-shut, dreamy eyes, she was recalling the last lines she had read: "Like Dian's kiss, unasked, unsought, Love gives itself, but is not bought; Nor voice, nor sound betrays Its deep impassioned gaze. "It comes--the beautiful, the free, The crown of all humanity, In silence and alone, To seek the elected one." The velvety blue of the young girl's eyes looked very soft and tender under the long-fringed lashes that were so dark by contrast with the sunshine of her hair. She was wondering when love would come to her, and if she would find it sweet. "Ethel is in love, and she seems very happy," she thought. "And there is Earle--he seems grave and thoughtful lately; and my wise nurse, Norah, declares it's because he is losing his heart to a lovely girl down in the village, a little creature with hazel eyes like stars, and a dimpled face all lilies and roses. I would like to see this pretty girl, only Norah keeps me almost a prisoner, lest I should be kidnaped again. I asked Earle about her, and he laughed and colored, and said perhaps he would bring her to see me some day." She lifted her voice, and cried out: "Norah, I wish we could go down to the picnic. I can catch voices on the breeze--voices and laughter. They seem to be having a lovely time, and it is so poky here! Earle is there, you know. Do let us go, too--you and me and Kay!" "Oh no, my dear, not for the world! The doctor said you were to be very quiet here." "But I am quite well again. See how plump my cheeks are, and how rosy!" "But, my Precious, you are very nervous yet. In your dreams you start and cry out about the fire, and the dreadful old woman, and your sister Ethel." "What about Ethel?" demanded Precious quickly, the delicate color flying from her cheeks. Nurse Norah answered placidly: