sister, and about Lester, I needed the lesson you have just given me, and
hope I shall profit by it."

"My dearest child, have faith in God; try to believe with all your heart
that he will never send you or any of his children one unneeded pang. I am
sure you could never think I--your tender mother--would give you the
slightest pain except for your certain good; and what is my love for you
compared to that of your Saviour? who died that you might live!"

"Mamma," cried the young girl, pausing in her walk, laying her hand on her
mother's arm and looking searchingly into the sweet, compassionate face,
while her own grew deathly pale, "what is it you are trying to prepare me
for? O mamma!"

A rustic seat stood close at hand.

"Let us sit down here for a moment, dear daughter," Mrs. Travilla said,
drawing Elsie to it with an arm about her waist. "You are right, my
child--I have news for you. Oh, not the worst, dearest!" as Elsie seemed
to gasp for breath. "Lester lives, but is very ill with typhoid fever."

"Mamma!" cried Elsie, starting to her feet, "I must go to him! go at once.
O dearest mother, do not hinder me!" and she clasped her hands in piteous
entreaty, the big tears rapidly chasing each other down her pale cheeks.

"If I could go with you," faltered the mother, "or your grandfather; but I
can neither leave nor take my little ones, and he would never consent to
leave me, or his poor old father, who seems just tottering on the verge of
the grave."