I would tell you with my own lips, of the mystery
which hangs around your birth, for I would seal the tale with a mother's
kiss, looking upon my foster-child for an assurance of love
undiminished. You must now come home to us. I can bear this separation
no longer. The time has come when our dear little Sea-flower, for so
many years the sunshine of our home, shall test the strength of her
affection for those who will ever regard her--a blessing from that
heavenly shore. Say to the author of the Madonna and child, that I would
earnestly wish that he may accompany you home, as he may be informed of
that which so nearly concerns his happiness. Adieu, my daughter, until I
shall see you once more. From your affectionate mother."
Natalie folded the letter, and repeating aloud, "can I ever love my
mother less?" she leaned her head upon her hand, and wept.
The day drew near when the Sea-flower, accompanied by Mr. Alboni, (for
such was the name of the gentlemanly artist,) and Clarence Delwood,
should seek her island home. This was anything but a pleasant
anticipation for Winnie, for since her mother's death she had learned to
lean upon Natalie, though younger than herself, and had received from
her in times of trial, such sweet counsel as would sink into her heart,
giving her new strength, making her a wiser and a better being.
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