Tell her I am here." "Sunflower"-- always thus called instead of by her baptismal name of Julia--obeyed; and while she was away, Mr.Strafford placed a chair for Mrs.Costello in front of a window which commanded the long reach of the river towards Cacouna.

She sat down, and commenced her watch, which a glance at the American clock hanging on the wall told her would not be a very long one.
The younger girl had wrapped herself in a great shawl, and hurried off to school; the elder one was occupied at the further end of the room, making bread of Indian meal, and baking it in thin cakes upon the stove.
Mr.Strafford was with the invalid, and the mother and daughter sat silently at the window and watched.

The afternoon advanced.

The American clock struck one quarter after another.

It was already half-past four.
Mr.Strafford came back; but, seeing the absorbed attitude of Mrs.
Costello, he would not disturb her, and the silence continued.