.

"You must trust to me, George; I am going to try to help you in my own
way. If I fail, I fail; but somehow I don't think I shall. If I have any
news I will write to you soon; and now good-by, good-by."

George turned and kissed Effie; she gave him her cheek, but her lips did
not touch his. She was willing to help him, but her love for the time
was dead or dying.

The young man walked hurriedly down the village street. Effie stood in
the porch and watched him; his shoulders were bowed, he stooped. George
used to have a fine figure; Effie used to be proud of him--she was not
proud of her brother now.

She went back to the house, and sat down listlessly for a time in the
little parlor--her hands were folded in her lap. It seemed to her as if
the end of all things had come.

Presently the sound of the children's voices overhead aroused her; she
went upstairs, and helped Susan to dress them. Returning to the everyday
duties of life had a soothing effect upon her. She made a violent effort
and managed to put her trouble behind her for the time being. Whatever
happened, her mother must not see any traces of it.

When the baby was dressed, she took him as usual to her mother's room.

Mrs. Staunton sat up in bed and stretched out her arms to receive him.
Effie gave him to her mother, who began to kiss his little face
hungrily.

"Has George gone, Effie?" said the mother.

"Yes, mother, dear."

"Did anyone see him off--did he have his breakfast?"

"Yes, he had a good breakfast; I got it ready for him last night."

"But did anyone see him off?"

"I did."

"That's right; I should not have liked him to have had his last meal by
himself. I miss him awfully. Effie, dear, how soon do you think we can
go to London?"

"As soon as possible, mother--in about six weeks."

"Six weeks!" exclaimed Mrs. Staunton. "I can't live without George for
six weeks."

"Oh, yes, you can, mother--at least you'll try."

CHAPTER XII.

When Effie had finished the many small duties which fell to her share in
the household economy, she went up to her bedroom and hastily changed
her everyday dress for her best one. She did not take long about this
task. Her small face looked very pale and thin under the heavy crepe on
her hat. Taking up her gloves she ran down to the parlor where her
mother was sitting. Mrs. Staunton was busily mending some stockings for
George. A pile of his clothes lay on the table by her side.

"I thought