trip to the South Sea Islands. The stagnation here is intolerable."

An expression of painful surprise flitted across the mother's
countenance, but she answered quickly:

"It has been an exceedingly short, happy year to me. You are such a
confirmed absentee, that when you are at home, time slips by
unnoticed."

"But few and far between as my visits are, they certainly never
approach the angelic. 'Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest,'
must frequently recur to you."

Before his mother could reply he rose, ordered his horse, and as he
drew on his gloves, and left the room, looked over his shoulder,
saying indifferently, "That box of pictures from Munich is at the
warehouse; I directed Henry to go after it this morning. I will open
it when I come home."

A moment after he passed the window on horseback, and with a heavy
sigh Mrs. Murray dropped her head on her hand, compressing her lips,
and toying abstractedly with the sugar-tongs.

Edna watched the grave, troubled countenance for some seconds, and
then putting her hand on the flower-basket, she asked softly:

"Shall I dress the flower-pots?"

"Yes, child, in four rooms; this, the parlors, and the library.
Always cut the flowers very early, while the dew is on them."