but at her words a look of wonderful happiness lighted his face.

When Mrs. Douglas asked the physician if a friend could be permitted to
see Howard, he replied:--

"He cannot live; therefore let him have everything he desires."

And so, before consciousness left him, Barbara came with wondering,
sorrowful eyes, and in answer to his pleading look and Mrs. Douglas's
low word, bent her fair young head and kissed tenderly the brow of the
dying young man who had loved her so much better than she knew. And
Howard's life ebbed away.

It was almost as if one of the family were gone. They did not know how
much a part of their life he had become until he came no more to the
home he had enjoyed so much--to talk--to study--to bring tributes of
love and gratitude--and to contribute all he could to their happiness.

Whatever they would do, wherever they would go, there was one missing,
and their world was sadly changed.

Mr. Sumner sent the mournful tidings to the lonely grandmother over the
ocean, and accompanied the faithful John as far as Genoa, on his way
homeward with the remains of the young master he had carried in his arms
as a child.

Then, as it was so difficult to take up even for a little time the old
life in Florence, it was decided that they should go at once toward
Rome.