s I do this."

"Nor I," replied Willie; "but there is one chance in a hundred if I
should be gone five years that there would not be a block of brick
stores in this spot when I come to look for it. I wish I did not think
so, for I shall have many a longing after the old home."

"But what will become of your mother and grandfather if this house is
torn down?"

"It is not easy to tell, Gerty, what will become of any of us by that
time; but, if there is any necessity for their moving, I hope I shall be
able to provide a better house than this for them."

"You won't be here, Willie."

"I know it, but I shall be always hearing from you, and we can talk
about it by letters, and arrange everything. The idea of any such
changes, after all," added he, "is what troubles me most in going away;
I think they would miss me and need me so much. Gertrude, you will take
care of them, won't you?"

"I!" said Gertrude, in amazement; "such a child as I!--what can I do?"

"If I am gone five or ten years, Gerty, you will not be a child all that
time, and a woman is often a better dependence than a man, especially
such a good brave woman as you will be. I have not forgotten the
beautiful care you took of Uncle True; and, whenever I imagine
grandfather or mother old and helpless, I always think of you, and hope
you will be near them; for I know if you are, you will be a greater help
than I could be. So I leave them in your care, Gerty, though you _are_
only a child yet."

"Thank you, Willie," said Gertrude, "for believing I shall do everything
I can for them. I certainly will, as long as I live. But, Willie, _they_
may be strong and well all the time you are gone; and I, although I am
so young, may be sick and die--nobody knows."

"That is true enough," said Willie, sadly; "and I may die myself; but it
will not do to think of that. It seems to me I never should have courage
to go, if I didn't hope to find you all well and happy when I come home.
You must write to me every month, for it will be a much greater task to
mother, and I am sure she will want you to do nearly all the writing;
and, whether my letters come directed to her or you, it will be all the
same, you know. And, Gerty, you must not forget me, darling; you must
love me just as much when I am gone--won't you?"

"Forget you, Willie! I shall be always thinking of you, and loving you
the same as ever. What else shall I have to do? But you will be off in a
strange country, w