lighted with a smile, the outcome of a warm heart. Sometimes clouds
slightly dimmed the sunshine, but they always proved to be summer
clouds that quickly passed. Her face was now flushed, and her eyes
sparkled.

Mrs. Davenport turned, and smiled in greeting, but, at the same time,
brushed a tear from her eye.

"Why, mamma, dear, what's the matter?" cried Beth.

Mrs. Davenport's eyes filled, but she bravely smiled. "I'm a little
unhappy over leaving all our friends, Beth. Florida seems very far
away."

"I wouldn't be unhappy."

"How would you help it, dearie?"

"Why mamma," she answered triumphantly after a second's thought, "there
are so many pleasant things to think about that I just never think of
the unpleasant ones," and her face broke into a smile, so cheery that
Mrs. Davenport's heart lightened.

"Mamma," she continued, "it's very easy for me to be happy. Every one
is so good to me. The chambermaid just gave me this dear, dear kitty.
Isn't it too cute for anything? I mean to take it to Florida with me."

"Why, Beth, that would never do."

Beth was about to demur, when a door into an adjoining room opened, and