could hear their song of joy over papa, I should not grieve quite so
much." The door opened and Laura looked in.

"Evelyn," she said, in a piqued tone, "your father wants you. It actually
seems that you, a mere child, are more necessary to him than his own
wife. He would see you alone for a few minutes."

Silently, for her heart was too full for speech, Evelyn withdrew herself
from Elsie's arms and hastened to obey the summons.




CHAPTER V.

"Gone before
To that unknown and silent shore."

CHARLES LAMB.


Mr. Leland, lying pale and languid on his couch, was listening intently
for the approaching footsteps of his child.

As she stole softly in, fearful of disturbing him, he lifted his head
slightly and greeted her with a tender, pitying smile and a feebly
outstretched hand.

"My darling," he whispered, drawing her to him, "my poor darling; so they
have told you? I have tried to spare you the bitter truth as long as I