"We always turn to those who love us, I think, in hours of
darkness."

"Yes, Lizzie, but there is a peculiar yearning, in my heart for you,
at times. I imagine it's akin to the feeling I should have for my
mother, were she living. With this feeling at my heart, I long to
look upon my mother's miniature which I once had, but which is now
in my step-mother's possession, and to gaze upon the face that
speaks such love to me, though her voice has so long been silent."

Lizzie, touched at Leah's pathetic words, turned and looked at her
friend with a tender glance, and said, "Trust me, Leah, for that
sympathy which you from some cause need, and unburden your aching
heart to me, if you choose."

"But, there! the bell is ringing and we must go," said Leah
abruptly. "Let's meet after school in the upper corridor, that
overlooks the sea. I have something further to say to you."

"If you wish, dear Leah; and it's but a short two hours till
dismission. Let's go."

Cloaked and hooded, the school-girls were all ready for departure
after the three long, welcome strokes of the great clock; when Leah
said, "It's growing chilly, Lizzie. Wrap your shawl closely around
you, for it's cold out on the corridor. Come, let's go out at the
rear door before it is locked."

Ascending a spiral staircase, the two girls reached the upper