32° THE SILVER LAKE STORIES.

for a ramble, we would stroll through
the woods, gathering wild flowers, or
she would pause upon the bridge at
Fred’s earnest request, to see him sail
his. little boat in the stream, and then
she would tell us such beautiful stories
as we walked along. Oh, no one could
tell such beautiful stories as my step-
mother! We ever continued to live
with her on terms of the warmest affec-
tion and confidence, and I think, dear
children, you will bear me witness,
that it is still my aim to minister to
her happiness, and, if possible, to atone
to her for the sorrow I caused her in ~
early life,”