"Not for the farm; but it was paid for, or partly paid for, with money
that belonged to Aunt Elsie. I canna explain it. She sold her annuity,
or gave up her income, in some way, when we came here. And in the
letter that father wrote, he said that he wished that in some way, as
soon as possible, she should get it back."

"But how?" asked Christie, wondering.

"I hardly know. But you know, Christie, Aunt Elsie is not like other
people--mean; it would make her more unhappy to feel that she was
dependent than it would make most people. And we must, in some way,
manage to do as father wished. If he had lived, it would have been
different. She doesna think that I know about it. She didna see
father's letter."

"Then the farm will be Aunt Elsie's?" said Christie.

"Yes; and if we could manage it well, we might live on as we have been
living; but I am afraid we canna."

Christie had her own thoughts about all living on Aunt Elsie's farm; but
she said nothing.

"I suppose we shall have to let the farm, or sell it, and get the money
invested, in some way, for Aunt Elsie."

"And what then?" asked Christie, in a suppressed tone.

"I am sure I canna tell," said Effie; and the tone of her voice betrayed
more anxiety than her words did. "Not that there is any great cause for
anxiety," she added. "There is always work to do for those who are
willing; and we'll try and keep together till the bairns are grown up."

"Will Aunt Elsie go home to Scotland, do you think, Effie?" asked
Christie.

"Oh, no! I don't think she will. She doesna like this country
altogether, I know; but now that she has grown so helpless, she will not
care to go back. She has no very near friends there now."

"Do you think Aunt Elsie would take the money if the farm was sold?"
asked Christie, again.

"As to that, it has been partly hers all along. When the farm was
bought, my father gave Aunt Elsie a mortgage, or something--I don't
understand exactly what--but it was as a security that her money was to
be safe to her. If we had been able to carry on the farm, there would
have been little difference; though there are some other debts too."

"And if we leave the farm, where can we go?" asked Christie.

"I don't know; I lose myself thinking about it. But God will provide.
I am not _really_ afraid, when I have time to consider. The bairns must
be kept together in some way. We must trust till the way is opened
before us."

But ther