To the mother's mind, her desire was one that ought to have been granted; and, she felt, in an instant, that the manner, as well as the fact of the father's denial, were both unkind, and that Madeline's heart would be almost broken.

She did not err in this.

The child went sobbing from the room.
How distinctly came before the mind of Mrs.Leslie a picture of the past.

She was, for a time, back in her father's house; and she felt, for a time, the ever-present, considerate, loving kindness of one who had made all sunshine in that early home.

Slowly came back the mind of Mrs.Leslie to the present, and she said to herself, not passively, like one borne on the current of a down-rushing stream, but resolutely, as one with a purpose to struggle--to suffer, and yet be strong-- "Yes; my children will feel my loss.