Ellen and I can take care of little Lucy, no doubt.

How long a time do you wish to spend with them ?" "About three weeks, or so." "Very well, Lucy; if you are not afraid to go alone, I will not say a word." "I am not afraid, dear," said the wife, in a voice changed and softened in its expression.

"But are you perfectly willing to let me go, Henry ?" "Oh, certainly," was the reply, although the tone in which the words were uttered had something of reluctance in it.

"It would be selfish in me to say, no.

Your father and mother will be delighted to receive a visit just now." "And you think that you and Ellen can get along with little Lucy ?" "Oh yes, very well." "I should like to go, so much!" "Go, then, by all means." "But won't you be very lonesome without me ?" suggested Lucy, in whose own bosom a feeling of loneliness was already beginning to be felt at the bare idea of a separation from her husband.
"I can stand it as long as you," was Gray's laughing reply to this.
"And then I shall have our dear little girl." Lucy laughed in return, but did not feel as happy at the idea of "going home" as she thought she would be, before her husband's consent had been gained.