"My Sister--When you read this, I shall be far away, sailing over those
glorious billows which you and I love so well! You will miss me, for I
know you love your erring brother, with all his faults; and even you,
who can realize what were my heart's desires, will hardly forgive the
step which brings such deep grief upon our mother; yet you will think of
me with kindness, for I know it cannot be otherwise. There is no spot
within your heart of love which is not occupied. Could I have left home
with a mother's blessing, I should be happier; but she will pray for her
boy; the gentle breeze which fills our sail will bear her "God bless
you" to the ear of him who will think of the dear ones at home, until he
shall once more fill his place in that dearest of family circles, and
thank God, my mother has such an one as you to lean upon. Farewell, dear
Sea-flower, until we meet again. BROTHER HARRY."

He had gone! Could it be possible? How could she speak those cruel words
to her mother? Yet it must be. With steady step she entered the
drawing-room; the mother looked upon her child. That which she would
speak failed to give utterance. Instinctively soul sympathized
with soul.

"Mother, we will breathe our morning supplication to Him who ordereth
all things;" and the Sea-flower, at that family altar, prayed that
strength might be given them, that they might be prepared for whatever
was to be their portion, and her prayer was heard. Arising, Mrs.
Grosvenor sank into a chair; with an agitated voice she spoke,--

"My child, some dreadful thing has occurred! My son,--tell me, has he
gone? for the same mysterious power which bade me impress upon his mind
last night, the value of the instructions, which, I pray God, I have not