"  I  am  glad  you  feel  sorry,  but  I  know  you  will  ad-
vise me  to  comply  with  my  father's  wishes."

"  Certainly  ;  yet  we  shall  sorely  miss  you."

"And  I  don't  know  what  I  shall  do  without  you.
But  then,  if  I  must  go,  it  will  be  delightful  to  see  dear
papa  again,  and  to  ride  round  the  city  ;  "  and  her  eyes
sparkled  as  sundry  bright  visions  flitted  before  her.
The  parting  day  came,  and  it  proved  like  several  of
the  preceding,  —  an  uncomfortable,  drizzly  day.  A  jun-
ior partner  of  her  father's,  who  had  been  sent  to  accom-
pany Julia,  stood  waiting  at  the  carriage  door.
"  Good-by,  dear  Marie,"  and  she  threw  her  arms
around  her  neck,  and  kissed  her  again  and  again.
"  Good-by,  my  fairy !  Don't  forget  to  write  to  me ; "
and  Maurice  imprinted  a  kiss  on  her  forehead,  while
glittering  drops  stood  on  her  lashes.
"  You  are  shivering  with  cold,  Miss  Graham,"  said
Maurice  as  he  stood  gazing  after  the  receding  car-
riage. He  closed  the  door,  but  she  made  no  reply.  A
chill  had  struck  to  her  heart.  Looking  at  her  sorrowful
face,  he  said,  —


OR,   HIGHER   THAN   HAPPINESS.  89

"  It  is  hard  to  part  with  dear  little  Jule.  She  is  really
charming.  Since  she  took  nature  for  her  guide,  she
wins  her  way  everywhere."

"  Everywhere  indeed  !  "  thought  Marion ;  but  she
controlled  herself  and  replied,  —

"  It  is  indeed  very  lonely  without  her."

"  I  wish  I  could  do  any  thing  towards  supplying  her
place,"  and  he  looked  at  her  so  kindly  that  tears  filled
her  eyes.
