They were not many, and with some parting injunctions to this little daughter and the servants, she announced herself ready to go.
Elsie clung to her with tears at the last, as they stood together in the lower hall waiting for the others.
"Mamma, what shall I do without you?
I've never been away from you a whole day in all my life." "No, dearest, but be my brave, helpful little girl.

You must try to fill mother's place to the little ones.

I shall not be far away, you know, and your dear father will be here nearly all the time.

And don't forget, darling, that your best Friend is always with you." "No, mamma," said the child, smiling through her tears; "it is so sweet to know that; and please don't trouble about us at home.

I'll do my best for papa and the children." "That is right, daughter, you are a very great comfort to me now and always," the mother said, with a last caress, as her husband joined her and gave her his arm to lead her to the carriage.
"Don't come out in the cold, daughter," he said, seeing the child about to follow.
Mammy had just come down with the sleeping babe in her arms, warmly wrapped up to shield her from the cold.
Elsie sprang to her side, lifted the veil that covered the little face, and softly touched her lips to the delicate cheek.