into this deep stream. Meantime, we will all assist you, on this condition. We will each give you something of what we have accumulated. Some of us will bring to you golden sands; others, lumps of gold; and a few, real precious gems, found at the bottom of this deep river.

"This is the condition we propose to you. As soon as we contribute anything to you, you shall so arrange it, as to make it convenient to be conveyed from hence to those who need. We give of our abundance, and wish it dispensed to those who have less.

“There is a peculiar virtue in the gold taken from this stream, which is found in no other metal; the more the possessor imparts of it to others, the more his treasure increases; therefore,

we wish you to be our almoner, and put our gifts into such a form, as all who wish may partake of them, so that they may visit every fireside, may enrich every mind, ennoble every heart. Do you comply with our request?"

Kate had listened very attentively to the sweet voice of the speaker; and when the question was asked, if she would strive to enrich herself by endeavoring to benefit others, her assent was most cheerfully and thankfully given.

Another lady came forward and said to Kate, "You will remain with us tonight, and to-morrow, and by that time, you will be well supplied from our treasury, with all you wish for the present; you must then depart, and make glad other hearts and homes as well as your own."

Then the lady repeated:

"Hearts and homes, sweet words of pleasure, Music breathing as they fall, Making each the other's treasure,

Once divided losing all;

Homes, ye may be high or lowly,
Hearts alone can make you holy;
Be the dwelling e'er so small,
Having love it boasteth all.

Hearts and homes, sweet words of pleasure,
Music breathing as ye fall,
Making each the other's treasure,

Once divided, losing all

Hearts and homes, hearts and homes!"

Kate listened with entranced delight, and as the last note died away in sweetest cadences, she thought, "surely I'm in the Land of Dreams, for I never heard such voices in the real world in which I dwell." Still she did not awaken. The mind often lives many years in dreams,

2

when the body sleeps only a few hours. It was thus with Kate. By walking, conversing and listening to those around, she ascertained the names of many of her new friends.

Mrs. Hemans was there, Mrs. Sigourney, and many younger ladies, of whom the world has often spoken in terms of deep admiration. Gentlemen too, whose fame and whose influence is unending as eternity; Montgomery, Longfellow, Bryant and others.

Kate mingled with the crowd, and while listening to the conversation of one and another,she heard Mrs. Sigourney lament that the day had not been more profitably improved by herself. Mrs. Sigourney retired for a short time, and when she returned, presented Kate with this gem:

Advertisement of a Lost Day.

"Lost! lost! lost!

A gem of countless price, Cut from the living rock,

And graved in Paradise; Set round with three times eight, Large diamonds clear and bright, And each with sixty smaller ones, All changeful as the light.

Lost

where the thoughtless throng

In fashion's mazes wind

Where trilleth folly's song,

Leaving a sting behind; Yet to my hand 'twas given

A golden harp to buy,

Such as the white-robed choir attune

To deathless minstrelsy.

Lost! lost! lost!

I feel all search is vain; That gem of countless cost Can ne'er be mine again;