As Miriam walked dolefully toward the garden gate, Ralph came riding from Thorbury with the mail-bag, and in it was the letter from Dora.

“Oh, Ralph!” cried Miriam, when, with her young soul glowing in her face, she thrust the open letter into her brother’s hand, “may I go?  I never saw the sea!”

Of Ralph’s decision there could be no question, and the Cobhurst family was instantly in a flurry.  Mrs. Drane, Cicely, and Miriam gave all their thoughts and every available moment of time to the work necessary on the simple outfit that was all that Miriam needed or desired; and in two days she was ready for the journey.  Ralph was glad to do anything he could to help in the good work, but, as this was little, he was obliged to content himself with encomiums upon the noble character of Dora Bannister.  That she should even think of offering such an inexpressible delight and benefit to his sister was sufficient proof of Miss Bannister’s solid worth and tender, gracious nature.  These remarks made to the ladies in general really did help in the good work, for, while Ralph was talking in this way, Cicely bent more earnestly over her sewing and stitched faster.  Until now, she had never thought much about Miss Bannister; but, without intending it, or in the least desiring it, she began to think a good deal about her, even when Ralph was not there.

Miriam herself settled the manner of her journey.  She had thought for a moment of Ralph as an escort, but this would cause him trouble and loss of time, which was not at all necessary, and—­what was very important—­would at least double the expenses of the trip; so she wrote to Miss Pender, the head teacher in her late school, begging that she might come to her and be shipped to Barport.  Miss Pender had great skill and experience in the shipping of girls from the school to destinations in all parts of the country.  Despatched by Miss Pender, the wildest or the vaguest school-girl would go safely to her home, or to whatever spot she might be sent.

As this was vacation, and she happened to be resting idly at school, Miss Pender gladly undertook the congenial task offered her; and welcomed Miriam, and then shipped her to Barport with even more than her usual success.

When the dear girl had gone, everybody greatly missed her,—­even La Fleur, for of certain sweets the child had eaten twice as much as any one else in the house.  But all were happy over her great pleasure, including the cook, who hated to have even the nicest girls come into her kitchen.

Thus far Miss Panney’s plan worked admirably, but one idea she had in regard to Miriam’s departure never came into the mind of any one at Cobhurst.  That the Dranes should go away because Miriam, as mistress of the establishment, was gone, was not thought of for an instant.  With La Fleur and Mrs. Drane in the house, was there any reason why domestic and all other affairs should not go on as usual during Miriam’s brief absence?