There is a light around her brow,

A holiness in those dark eyes,

That show, though wandering earthward now,

Her spirit's home is in the skies.

Moore

Pushing open the door, Dorcas Knight exclaimed: "Here is a young lady, Miss Black, from Hurricane Hall, come to see

you, Miss Day."

And having made this announcement, the woman retired and shut the door

behind her.

And Capitola found herself in a large, dark, gloomy, wainscoted room,

whose tall, narrow windows afforded but little light, and whose immense

fireplace and blackened furniture seemed to belong to a past century.

The only occupant of this somber apartment was a young girl, seated in

pensive thought beside the central table. She was clothed in deep

mourning, which only served to throw into fairer relief the beauty of

her pearly skin, golden hair and violet eyes.

The vision of her mourning robes and melancholy beauty so deeply

impressed Capitola that, almost for the first time in her life, she

hesitated from a feeling of diffidence, and said gently: "Indeed, I fear that this is an unwarranted intrusion on my part, Miss

Day."

"You are very welcome," replied the sweetest voice Capitola had ever

heard, as the young girl arose and advanced to meet her. "But you have

been exposed to the storm. Please come into my room and change your

clothes," continued the young hostess, as she took Cap's hand and led

her into an adjoining room.

The storm was still raging, but these apartments being in the central

portion of the strong old house, were but little exposed to the sight

or sound of its fury.

There was a lamp burning upon the mantelpiece, by the light of which

the young girl furnished her visitor with dry clothing and assisted her

to change, saying as she did so: "I think we are about the same size, and that my clothes will fit you;

but I will not offer you mourning habiliments--you shall have this

lilac silk."

"I am very sorry to see you in mourning," said Capitola, earnestly.

"It is for my father," replied Clara, very softly.

As they spoke the eyes of the two young girls met. They were both good

physiognomists and intuitive judges of character. Consequently in the

full meeting of their eyes they read, understood and appreciated each

other.

The pure, grave, and gentle expression of Clara's countenance touched

the heart of Capitola.

The bright, frank, honest face of Cap recommended her to Clara.

The very opposite traits of their equally truthful characters attracted

them to each other.




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