with you. Good bye, dear Tony. Be a good little cat!"

Brian was pleased to have this token from his Undine, but at the
same time he could not help seeing that she cared much more about
parting with the kitten than about saying good bye to him. Well,
it was something to have that lucky St. Anthony, who had been
fondled and kissed. And after all it was Erica's very childishness
and simplicity which made her so dear to him.

As soon as they were out of sight, Erica, with the thought of the
separation beginning to weigh upon her, went back to her mother.
They knew that this was the last quiet time they would have
together for many long months. But last days are not good days for
talking. They spoke very little. Every now and then Mrs. Raeburn
would make some inquiry about the packing or the journey, or would
try to cheer the child by speaking of the house they would have at
the end of the two years. But Erica was not to be comforted; a
dull pain was gnawing at her heart, and the present was not to be
displaced by any visions of a golden future."If it were not for
leaving you alone, mother, I shouldn't mind so much," she said, in
a choked voice. "But it seems to me that you have the hardest part
of all."

"Aunt Jean will be here, and Tom," said Mrs. Raeburn.

"Aunt Jean is very kind," said Erica, doubtfully. "But she doesn't
know how to nurse people. Tom is the one hope, and he has promised
always to tell me the whole truth about you; so if you get worse,
I shall come home directly."