said, with a look that made Christie's eyes grow dim. "Don't grieve
for me, dear; we shall surely meet hereafter, though so far asunder
here. Nothing can part us there, I devoutly believe; for we leave
our burdens all behind us when we go." Then, in a lighter tone, she
said, with her arm on Christie's neck:

"This day is to be a happy one, no matter what comes after it. I'm
going to be my old self for a little while, and forget there's such
a word as sorrow. Help me to dress, so that when the boys come up
they may find the sister Nell they have not seen for two long
years."

"Will you wear this, my darling? Your mother beads it, and she tried
to have it dainty and beautiful enough to please you. See, your own
colors, though the bows are only laid on that they may be changed
for others if you like."

As she spoke Christie lifted the cover of the box old Hester had
just brought in, and displayed a cashmere wrapper, creamy-white,
silk-lined, down-trimmed, and delicately relieved by rosy knots,
like holly berries lying upon snow. Helen looked at it without a
word for several minutes, then gathering up the ribbons, with a
strange smile, she said:

"I like it better so; but I'll not wear it yet."

"Bless and save us, deary; it must have a bit of color somewhere,
else it looks just like a shroud," cried Hester, and then wrung her
hands in dismay as Helen answered, quietly: