pause, she said-- "How long will it be, Mr. Sharp, before I can see Henry?" "I don't know, ma'am. How long before you think you can come out to Lexington?" "Indeed, sir, I don't know that I shall be able to get out there this winter. Couldn't you send him in sometimes?" "Perhaps I will, about New Year's, and let him spend a few days with you." "It is a good while to New Year's day, sir. He has never been from home in his life." "Oh no, ma'am. It's only a few weeks off. And I don't believe he'll be homesick for a day." "But _I_ shall, Mr. Sharp." "You?" "Yes, sir. It is hard to let my child go, and not see him again before New Year's day." "But you must act the woman's part, Mrs. Gaston. We cannot get through life without some sacrifice of feeling. My mother had to let me go before I was even as old as your boy." As Mr. Sharp said this, he arose, adding as he did so-- "Come, my little man. I see you are all ready." Holding back her feelings with a strong effort, Mrs. Gaston took hold of Henry's small, thin hand, bent over him, and kissed his fair young cheek, murmuring in an under tone-- "God be with you, and keep you, my boy!" Then, speaking aloud, she said-- "Be a good and obedient child, and Mr. Sharp will be kind to you, and let you come home to see me at New Year's." "Oh, yes. He shall come home then," said the man half indifferently, as he moved toward the door. Henry paused only to kiss his sister, and then followed after, with his little bundle in his hand. As he was about descending the steps, he turned a last look upon his mother. She saw that his eyes were