And earth was hushed and sleeping;
The hour when faithful love is e'er
Its fondest vigils keeping."
Clear as amber fell the moonlight on the forms of Wayland and Winnie Morris, as arm in arm they roamed the calm, delightful shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
"Well, sister," said Wayland, "four weeks have passed since I last saw you, and how have you sped in your capacity of teacher?"
"O, bravely, Wayland! 'Tis so delightful to feel I am of some importance in the world, and that I'm laying up money to repay my brother, as far as I am able, for all he has done for me! You should see me in my little school-room, with my pupils round me. I fancy no queen e'er felt more pride and satisfaction in beholding her subjects kneeling before her, than I do with my infant class leaning their tiny arms on my lap and looking in my face as they repeat from my lips the evening prayer."
"I am pleased to find you so content and happy," said Wayland.
"O, I am indeed so, and indebted to you for all I enjoy!" returned Winnie.
"And what of Jack Camford, sis?" asked the brother, with a mischievous smile.
"O, I have not forgotten him yet, naughty Wayland!" answered she; "I dream of him most every night."