He nodded his head, and said, smiling:
"I see you remember still the childhood days." And he patted my cheek as I gathered a rose and fastened it upon his breast.
"It seems to me this ought to be your home, dear; it is our father's home," said my sister wistfully.
"Nay," my father quickly interposed. "Col. Sprague is her legitimate guardian and instructor. It is a wise and admirable arrangement. He is in every way the most suitable instructor she could possibly have. Our Father never errs."
"Is not my brother's a lovely character?" I asked.
"Lovely indeed; and he stands very near to the Master. Few have a clearer knowledge of the Divine Will, hence few are better fitted for instructors. But I, too, have duties that call me for a time away. How blessed to know there can never again be long separations! You will have two homes now, dear child—your own and ours."
"Yes, yes!" I said. "I shall be here, I suspect, almost as much as there."
At this moment a swift messenger approached my father and spoke a few low words.
"Yes, I shall go at once," he replied, and, waving his hand in adieu, departed with the angelic guide.
"Where do my father's duties mostly lie?" I asked my mother.