finds an heir of eternity weary, listless, discouraged, while yet in
the dawning of existence? It is not in perishing _things_, merely, to
give back the lost zest. But a glad zest and hopefulness might be
inspired even in the most jaded and _ennui_-cursed, were there in our
homes such simple, truthful natures as that of my heroine; and in the
sphere of quiet homes--not elsewhere--I believe that woman can best
rule and save the world.

Highland Falls, N.Y., September, 1874.




CONTENTS



CHAPTER I
A HERO BUT NOT HEROIC

CHAPTER II
OPENING A CHESTNUT BURR

CHAPTER III
MORBID BROODING

CHAPTER IV
HOW MISS WALTON MANAGED PEOPLE

CHAPTER V