Still, when the hour of departure came they had garnered enough to sweeten all the after-straits and stress of time.

September had then perceptibly begun to add to the nights and shorten the days, and her tender touch had been laid on everything.

With a smile and a sigh the Rawdons turned their faces to their pleasant home in the Land of the West.

It was to be but a short farewell.

They had promised the Squire to return the following summer, but he felt the desolation of the parting very keenly.