stily--almost sharply--bade
her run and see what had become of the girls and little Willie.
Christie rose without speaking, and went out.

"Aunt," said Effie, quietly, when she was gone, "I don't think it is
quite kind in you to speak in that way to Christie about dependence.
She is no more dependent than the rest of the children. Of course, when
she's older and stronger she'll do her part. But she is very sensitive;
and she must not be made unhappy by any foolish talk about her being a
burden."

Effie meant to soothe her aunt; but she failed, for she was really angry
now, and she said a great many words in her anger that I shall not
write--words that Effie always tried to forget. But the result of it
all was that Annie's departure was delayed for a week, till Christie
should be ready to go with her.

But I should be wrong in saying that this decision was the result of
this discussion alone. There were other things that helped Effie to
prevail upon herself to let her go. It would be better and pleasanter
for Annie to have her sister near her; and Christie was very desirous to
go. And, after all, the change might be good for her, as Aunt Elsie
said. It might improve her health, and it might make her more firm and
self-reliant. Going away among strangers could hardly be worse for her
than a winter under the discipline of her aunt. Partly on account of
these considerations, and partly because of Christie's importunities,
Effie was induced to consent to her going away; but it was with the
express understanding that her absence was to be brief.

As the time of their departure drew near, she did not grow more
reconciled to the thought of her sister's going. She felt that she had
been over-persuaded; and in her heart there was a doubt as to whether
she had done quite right in consenting.

The last night, when all the others had gone to bed, and Effie was doing
some household work below, Christie slipped down-stairs again.

"Effie," she said, eagerly, "do not take my going away so much to heart.
I am sure it is _for the best_, and I shall grieve if you grieve. Do
think that it's right."

"You foolish lassie! Did you come down-stairs with bare feet to tell me
that? How cold your hands are! Come and sit down by the fire. I want
to speak to you."

Christie sat down, as she was bidden, but it was a long time before
Effie spoke--so long that Christie said at last:

"What is it, Effie?"

Her sister started