Aunt Lizzy had objected at first, but speedily became reconciled when Dr.Bryant painted, in a graphic manner, the horrors which were about to ensue.
As the shades of evening came gently on, the girls set out for Mrs.
Carlton's, as from her dwelling they commenced their journey.

Aunt Lizzy remained to give some final direction, and then came a sorrowful parting with their servants, one of whom took Mary in her arms and bade God bless her, while the tears rolled over her wrinkled face.
Mary could not repress her own, and she sobbed convulsively.

Dr.
Bryant, who had come over for them, laid his hand on the shoulder of the true-hearted negress, and said: "Why, Aunt Fanny, you must not excite Miss Irving; she is not strong, you know, and has a long ride before her to-morrow." "Oh yes, Doctor, it will do well enough for you to tell me not to cry, but I can't help it, for I love her as if she was my own child, and if I thought to see her again I should not grieve so much; but I saw her mother before her, and I know how she grew pale and thin, and then took to the sofa, and never rose up till she was carried to her grave; and can't I see that blessed child going just like her?
Oh I it's no use talking to me; she ain't long for this world, and it's hard--yes, it's hard for her to die away from old Fanny!" and she covered her face with her apron, and sobbed aloud.
Mary wiped her own tears quickly away, and taking the hand of her old friend, led her back to the kitchen.

For several moments her companions waited anxiously for her; and soon she advanced slowly to meet them.

Frank drew her arm through his, and sadly they walked away.
Passing the gate, Mary paused and looked out on the river, where she had so often sat at this hour; and sad though sweet associations, infinite in number, crowded upon her mind.
How calm and beautiful all nature seemed, as though arrayed in its loveliest garb to chain her affection, that, in after years, the memory of that western home might steal gently up amidst surrounding gloom, to charm away the anguish of some bitter hour, and soothe the saddened spirit.