"I did not know that you had come, until a few moments since, when our father told me. It is delightful to have you here; it seems more like the old life to see you than any of the others who are here—we were together so much during the last years of my stay," he said, grasping my hands warmly. "Where are you going now? Can you not come with me awhile? I was thinking only a few days ago how much I wished you could be here a little while before Lu came; you know her tastes so well. And now here you are! So often our unspoken wishes are thus gratified in heaven!"
"Is my sister coming soon?" I asked a little later.
"That I cannot confidently say; but you know the years of the earth-life are passing, and her coming cannot be much longer delayed. Can you come with me now?"
"Gladly," I said, turning to walk with him.
"It is only a little way from here," he said. "Just where the river bends. Lu loves the water so, I chose that spot in preference to one even nearer your home."
"This is truly enchanting!" I cried, as we drew near the place. "I have not been this way before."
"I want you to see the river from her room windows," he said; "I know you will enjoy it."
We entered the truly beautiful house, built of the purest white granite, so embedded in the foliage of the flower-laden trees that from some points only glimpses of its fine proportions could be seen.
"She loves flowers so much—will she not enjoy these trees?" he asked with almost boyish delight.
"Beyond everything," I answered.