The light streamed over her face, and showed a gladness, an exaltation of expression there, as if her soul had broken from its earthly moorings, and was making its way joyfully into the infinite sea of eternal love and blessedness.
At last her fingers fell from the keys, and as she rose she saw Mr. Murray standing outside of the parlor door, with his fingers shading his eyes.
He came in soon after, and his mother held out her hand, saying:
"Here is a seat, my son. Have you just returned?"
"No, I have been here some time."
"How are affairs at the plantation?"
"I really have no idea."
"Why? I thought you went there to-day."
"I started; but found my horse so lame that I went no further than town."
"Indeed! Hagar told me you had not returned, when I came in from visiting."