"How interesting a company we three can make in this undertaking," cried Edith, with enthusiasm. "Papa, will you permit me to join them?"
"If Mr. Winthrope is your guide, you may," he answered, now interested himself.
"When shall we begin our search?" asked Edith, eagerly looking at John, and beaming one of her sweetest smiles on him.
"Whenever Mr. Jarney gives me leave of absence—or, better, I can do it before or after hours. How will that do?"
"Capital!" cried Edith. "Papa, that will be fine. You can trust me with Mr. Winthrope?"
"Oh, of course," he answered.
"Good, papa, dear!" she exclaimed. "Now, Star—Miss Barton, we will go home. When shall we begin?"
"When I notify you," replied John, rising to bid the ladies good day.
The two young ladies departed. To John, it was like the going of two sunbeams that had crossed his lonely pathway, to shine for a moment, then disappear, with the promise of returning on a fairer day to come.