was preparing for her marriage. Piles of white linen, and some aprons and
quilts; and in a little box in the corner a spray of orange-blossom which
she had bought from a smouse. There, too, was a ring Gregory had given
her, and a veil his sister had sent, and there was a little roll of fine
embroidered work which Trana had given her. It was too fine and good even
for Gregory's wife--just right for something very small and soft. She
would keep it. And she touched it gently with her forefinger, smiling; and
then she blushed and hid it far behind the other things. She knew so well
all that was in that drawer, and yet she turned them all over as though she
saw them for the first time, packed them all out, and packed them all in,
without one fold or crumple; and then sat down and looked at them.

Tomorrow evening when Lyndall came she would bring her here, and show it
her all. Lyndall would so like to see it--the little wreath, and the ring,
and the white veil! It would be so nice! Then Em fell to seeing pictures.
Lyndall should live with them till she herself got married some day.

Every day when Gregory came home, tired from his work, he would look about
and say, "Where is my wife? Has no one seen my wife? Wife, some coffee!"
and she would give him some.

Em's little face grew very grave at last, and she knelt up and extended her
hands over the drawer of linen.

"Oh, God!" she said, "I am so glad! I do not know what I have done that I
should be so glad. Thank you!"


Chapter 2.IV. Lyndall.