flush of pleasure to Gus's cheeks, soon changed to intense
disappointment at the news that he must this time be left in England.

That afternoon we were longer than usual on the sea, only returning just
in time for a late tea and bed. Uncle Hugh started about seven o'clock,
and Harry as usual mounted his pony in great haste to go with him part
of the way. I remember that uncle was in a hurry, and did not wait for
him, for as I stood undressing near the window I saw Harry waving his
hat and calling after him, with the two dogs at his side.

[Illustration: THROUGH THICK AND THIN.]

The long summer evening faded away; from my pillow I saw the stars come
out one by one, and then kissing my hand to them, I let my sleepy eyes
go shut, and was soon in the midst of pleasant dreamland. I don't know
how long after this it was, that I was aroused by a sound of whispers at
the door, and then by a little timid question from Lottie, "Susette,
isn't Harry come home?" "But no, Miss Lottie," was the answer in a
troubled voice, and Jane broke in: "Hush, hush! you'll wake Miss Sissy!
Go to sleep, there's a darling. He'll be home directly now--no need to
be frightened!"

"No need to be frightened!" said Susette, in her foreign accent. "But,
yes----"

Jane had pulled her out of the room, and Lottie and I, now wide awake,
were left to wonder, and talk in low, frightened tones. Lottie had heard
the whining of one of the dogs under the window--both dogs had gone off
with Harry--and she had heard Susette call Jane gently, and then they
had whispered outside the door something about Gus and the dog; and