e two poor ladies as stately as ever, and little Annie so
bright and winning. It was like asking for the only happy thing left in
their lives. I explained first about my letter to you, and how you
happened to be staying with the Grants when you received it, and then I
gave Miss Pickens Mr. Grant's letter. Her face was like iron as she read
it, and she swallowed hard several times, but she never uttered one
word. When she had done, she thought for several minutes; then she said,
in a choked voice, 'If you will leave this with us, Madam, you shall
have an answer to-morrow.' I came away. Dear little Annie walked half
way down the hill with me. I hope, oh, so much, that they will let her
go. The life they lead is too sad for such a child, and in every way it
is better for them all; but oh, dear! I am so sorry for them that I
don't know what to do."

Next day Miss Pickens walked down alone to the Relief Station.

"My mother and I have talked it over," she said briefly, "and we have
decided. Annie must go."

"I am glad," said Mrs. Randolph. "Glad for her, but very sorry for you."

"It is like cutting out my heart," said the poor Aunt. "But what can we
do? I am not able to give the child proper food even, or decent clothes.
If we keep her she must grow up in ignorance. These English strangers
offer every thing; we have nothing to offer. If we could count on the
bare necessaries of life,--no more than those,--I would never, never
give up Annie. As it is, it would be sinning against her to refuse."

"Mr. Grant's assistance will do much to make your own lives more
comfortable," suggested Mrs. Randolph.

"I don't care about that. We could go on suffering and not say a word,
if only we might keep Annie. But she would suffer too, and more and
more as she grows older. No, Annie must go."

"The Grants are thoroughly good people, and will be kindness itself, I
am sure. The only danger is that they may spoil your dear little girl
with over-indulgence."

"She can stand a good deal, having had none for so long a time," replied
Miss Pickens with a sad smile. "But Annie is not that sort of child;
nothing could spoil her. When must she go, Mrs. Randolph?"

"Mr. Grant spoke of the 'Cuba,' on which some friends of his are to
sail. She leaves on the 24th."

"The 24th. That is week after next."

"If it seems to you too soon--"

"No. The sooner it is over the better for us all."

"I half feel as if I had done you a wrong," said Mrs