One evening when she was about to return to the Anchorage, a furious
thunder-storm burst upon the land, accompanied by a torrent of rain.
It continued so long that the Royals were able to induce their visitor
to remain all night.

"I am afraid that I shall give you too much trouble," Miss Royanna told
them.

"Oh, no," Mrs. Royal hastened to assure her. "It will be a great
pleasure to have you. There is one room which is always ready, and,"
here her voice became low, "no one has slept in it for over thirteen
years. It was my son's room," she explained, seeing the look of
surprise in her guest's eyes.

As Mrs. Royal uttered these words, she turned and lighted a lamp, and,
therefore, did not notice the strange expression which overspread Miss
Royanna's face. Together the two went upstairs and entered the sacred
chamber.

"It was Alec's room," Mrs. Royal remarked, as she placed the lamp upon
the dressing-table. "He was fond of all those things," and she
motioned to the walls lined with books, fishing-rods, rifle, banners,
snow-shoes, and pictures. "I have aired the bed, and made it up every
week since he went away. I know it will seem childish and foolish to
you. But, oh----" she suddenly paused and sat down upon a chair by the
side of the bed. "You little realise how much he meant to us. He was
our only child, and his memory is very dear."

"I know it," Miss Royanna replied, dropping upon her knees, and
throwing her arms around Mrs. Royal's neck. "I think I understand how