When she awoke the sun was shining, and the first object her eyes rested upon was the little face by her side. The pallor and look of exhaustion it had worn the night before were quite gone, a faint tinge of pink had even stolen into the cheeks.
Violet noted the change with a feeling of relief and thankfulness, and raising herself upon her elbow, touched her lips lightly to the white forehead.
The child's eyes flew open and with a sweet engaging smile, she asked, "Have you been lying beside me all night, mamma?"
"Yes, Gracie. You have had a long sleep, dear; do you feel quite rested?"
"Yes, mamma, I feel very well. This is such a nice soft bed, and I like to sleep with you. May I always?"
"For all winter, I think, dear. I like to have your papa's baby girl by my side."
"I'm very much obliged to him for finding me such a sweet, pretty new mamma. I told him so one day," remarked the child innocently, putting an arm about Vi's neck.
"Did you?" Violet asked with an amused smile; "and what did he say?"
"Nothing; he just smiled and hugged me tight and kissed me ever so many times. Do you know what made him do that, mamma?"
"Because he likes to have us love one another. And so we will, won't we, dear?"