Maggie! you might speak and help me--how can you stand so still, and let him go to America without a word!" Maggie looked up bright and steadfast, as if she saw something beyond the material present.

Here was the opportunity for self-sacrifice of which Mrs.
Buxton had spoken to her in her childish days--the time which comes to all, but comes unheeded and unseen to those whose eyes are not trained to watching.
"Mother! could you do without me for a time?
If you could, and it would make you easier, and help Edward to"-- The word on her lips died away; for it seemed to imply a reproach on one who stood in his shame among them all.
"You would go!" said Mrs.Browne, catching at the unfinished sentence.

"Oh! Maggie, that's the best thing you've ever said or done since you were born.
Edward, would not you like to have Maggie with you ?" "Yes," said he, "well enough.

It would be far better for me than going all alone; though I dare say I could make my way pretty well after a time.

If she went, she might stay till I felt settled, and had made some friends, and then she could come back." Mr.Buxton was astonished at first by this proposal of Maggie's.