An indiscriminating observer would have said: "How shocking to hear such merry laughter--their mother has only been dead a month." But Mrs.Ellsworthy had far too kind a heart to do these children such an injustice.

She knew that the dark lines under Jasmine's bright eyes were caused by the passion of a great grief; but she also knew that with such a nature sunshine must follow storm.

Daisy in the midst of her play, too, began suddenly to cry.
"What is the matter, my little one ?" asked the lady of the house.

The child put her arms round her neck, and whispered through sobs: "I am so happy now; but I know I'll be miserable bye-and-bye.

I'll want so badly to tell mamma about you, and mamma won't be there." Primrose was also serenely happy--she was glad to hear her sisters' laughter, and she liked to walk about the beautiful place, and to feel the soft summer air on her cheeks.
The village of Rosebury lay low; but Shortlands stood on rising ground, and the more bracing air did Primrose good.