eeded nothing but a few days'
rest. Veronica would not leave her; but sent word to Sabina, to ask her to
take her place for a few days, which she knew she could rely upon her to
do gladly, for Sabina was extremely friendly, and very proud of her former
pupil, who had been a great credit to her in the position for which she
had recommended her.

That day and the next night Mother Gertrude remained quiet, and seemed to
sleep most of the time. On the third day, it was evident that she was
looking for something, whenever she opened her eyes, although she was not
at all delirious; and she frequently exclaimed,

"Oh! if I could only see him once more!"

When the sunset light streamed through the window and illuminated the
room, a happy smile lighted up her face. She murmured:

"He half in dreamland seemed to float
Saying 'to-morrow will be fine.'"

After a while she turned towards Veronica and said,

"Veronica, sing it again, with him please; it is beautiful, and I like to
hear you sing together: 'To-morrow will be fine.'"

"You have been dreaming, mother; we have not been singing," said the poor
girl, wiping away her fast-flowing tears.

It was dark now and all was still. The little night-lamp threw a pale
light upon the bed, where the mother lay in a half-sleep. Veronica sat by
with big wide-open eyes. Her restless thoughts were busy with many
questions. Had he received her letter? Would he come? How? When? and how
would the mother be? Suddenly Gertrude rose up in bed with greater
strength than she had shown for many days. "Go! go! Veronica," she said
beseechingly, "Open the door for him! He ought not to stand there knocking
like a stranger. Show him how glad we are to see him again!"

"No one is knocking, mother; you are only dreaming," said Veronica sadly
shaking her head; but the longing in Gertrude's eyes was more than she
could resist, and she rose and left the room, thinking to please her by
compliance. She heard a step; but then the road ran in front of the hous