* * * * *

In a little cottage by a roadside sat Mary Deane and her sister, reading.
They were two fair orphans whose father and brother were lost in battle.

"Let's put out the light, and look at the stars awhile," said the
youngest.

"Not yet, dear, it's too early. There may be some passer-by, and a
light is such a comfort to a traveler on the road. Many a time our
neighbor's light has sent a glow over me which has enabled me to reach
home much sooner, if not in better humor."

"As you like, sister,--but hark! I thought I heard footsteps."

They listened, and, hearing nothing more, finished their reading and
retired to rest.

On opening their door the next morning, their eyes were gladdened by
a lovely garland which hung on the knob. The flowers were rich in,
perfume and color--unlike anything they had seen on earth.

Much they marveled, and wondered from whence they came, and still
greater was their joy to find they did not fade.

Hope found a great many dwellings with lights in them, but had to pass
many, as there was no lamp to signal them. At the door of the former
she left garlands to gladden the inmates.

"It's no use to waste our oil: we have nothing to read or interest