Indeed, whatever the result, we shall know it is for the best," she added with tears in her soft, sweet eyes, "because 'He doeth all things well.'" It was Saturday, and there was no school; but Max had promised Lulu that he would go over to Oakdale after breakfast and carry her the news in regard to the sick children.
She was extremely anxious and distressed about them, and as soon as at liberty to follow her inclination, hastened to a part of the grounds overlooking the road by which he must come.
She had not been there long when she saw him approaching, walking slowly, dejectedly along, with his eyes on the ground.
"Oh, they are no better," she said to herself; "for if they were better, Max wouldn't hang his head like that." She stood still, watching him with a sinking heart as he came in at the gate and drew near her, still with his eyes cast down.

And now she perceived that his countenance was pale and distressed.
"O Max," she cried, "are they worse ?--dying?
Oh, don't say they are!" "No; they are no better: perhaps they may be to-morrow; but--" He stopped, his eyes full of tears as he lifted them for a moment to her face, his features working with emotion.
"Max, Max, what is it ?" she asked, clutching at his arm.

"Oh, what is the matter?
You must tell me." "My father--our father--" He covered his face with his hands and sobbed aloud.
"O Max, what about papa ?" she cried wildly.

"Oh, don't say anything has happened to him! I couldn't bear it!--oh I couldn't!--but I must know.

O Maxie, tell me what it is ?" She had put her arms round his neck and laid her cheek to his.