"My light and my joy!" said the old man, solemnly. "A light from
heaven to shine in a dark place, and the Lord's message to a sinful
man."
He was silent for a little, looking earnestly into the child's radiant
face. Presently, "You've been happy, Star Bright?" he asked. "You
haven't missed nothin'?"
Star opened wide eyes of surprise at him. "Of course I've been happy!"
she said. "Why shouldn't I be?"
"You ain't--I mean you haven't mourned for your poor ma, have ye,
Jewel?" He was still looking curiously at her, and his look puzzled
her.
"No," she said after a pause. "Of course not. I never knew my poor
mamma. Why should I mourn for her? She is in heaven, and I am very
glad. You say heaven is much nicer than here, so it must be pleasanter
for my poor mamma; and I don't need her, because I have you, Daddy.
But go on, now, please, Daddy dear. 'Next day'--"
"Next day," resumed the obedient Captain, "the sky was bright and
clear, and only the heavy sea, and your poor ma, and you, Peach
Blossom, to tell what had happened, so far as I seed at fust. Bimeby,
when I went out to look, I found other things."
"My poor papa!" said Star, with an air of great satisfaction.
The Captain nodded.
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