The next day. Belle, whose heart was very sore,
but whose nobility of character lifted her above
personal suffering, said to Donald : " Donald, my
brother, are you going to Cranbrook this morning ? "

"Such was my purpose. Belle. Why do you
ask ? ''

" Will you not stay at home this forenoon, and
let me spend an hour or two alone with Beatrice ? "

"If you wish to do so, I will withdraw my sun-
light from your path."



144

** You know, Donald, that Beatrice is almost
alone, and needs just now some one to advise with
her, and though your company might be preferable
to mine, yet I think I can be more useful to the
child a few hours to-day than you can. There are
many things to be thought of, and there is no time
to be lost."

** Well, go and see her, and give her all the good
advice you can. But do not frighten her by a fore-
cast of the dangers of the voyage."

" Can you not trust me for that, Donald ? " she
asked reproachfully.
"Oh, yes. Belle, I can trust you in anything.
Go and see her."

Belle went to the cottage and met Beatrice. Be-
fore a word was spoken they were clasped in each
other's arms, and without knowing why, had a good
womanly cry. They were all the better for that,
and after the sunshower of tears was over, the
two girls spent several hours in kindly intercourse.
