"You know, my dear, that I am not apt to concern myself
overmuch about the gain or the loss of money. I believe my
heavenly Father will give me what is good for me."

"Then, Mamma, why are you troubled?"

"Because, my child, I cannot carry out this principle in other
matters, and leave quietly my _all_ in His hands."

"What is the matter, dear mother? What makes you look so?"

"This lawsuit, Ellen, has brought upon us more trouble than I
ever thought a lawsuit could — the loss of it, I mean."

"How, Mamma?"

"It has caused an entire change of all our plans. Your father
says he is too poor now to stay here any longer; and he has
agreed to go soon on some government or military business to
Europe."

"Well, Mamma, that is bad; but he has been away a great deal
before, and I am sure we were always very happy."

"But, Ellen, he thinks now, and the doctor thinks too, that it
is very important for my health that I should go with him."

"Does he, Mamma? — and do you mean to go?"