such a girl as
that--to say nothing of taking her so far from her home and friends."

Mrs Lee sighed. She had become accustomed during her married life to
frequent and sudden changes. She had learned not to be surprised at
them now. Her sigh was for the little graves she must leave behind her,
perhaps never more to look on them again. And Christie! Would it be
right, in view of these possibilities, to take her away? Knowing them,
would she be willing to go? Yes; she felt sure that Christie would not
leave them willingly. But she must not think of herself in this matter;
she must consider what was best for the poor girl. Would Christie's
friends, would that sister she loved so well, consent to let her go
away, uncertain where she was to go or when she was to return? No; even
if Christie herself was willing, she must not think of taking her away.

Yet who was to supply her place? Oh, how wearily she sighed! how she
shrank from this new trial! She knew that to her husband this would
seem a very little thing indeed; and she kept her sad thoughts to
herself, as she had done many a time before.

"I don't know how I can tell her," she said. "It seems so unkind to
change our plans at this late hour. She will be disappointed, I am
sure."

"Oh, I will tell her, if that will do," said her husband. "I dare say
she will be sorry to part from the children and you. You have been very
kind to her, I am quite sure. You must make her some little present--a
frock, or something; and I'll tell her our plans."

"How little you can know about it!" sighed Mrs Lee.

But the matter was considered settled. Nothing more was said about it
till the following day, when Mr Lee told his wife he had engaged a
woman to go with them--a very suitable person, highly recommended to him
by one of his friends.

In the meantime, Christie, having heard no more of the matter, let the
remark which had so startled her quite pass out of her mind; and she was
in no way prepared for the announcement which Mr Lee made on the second
morning, of the change in their arrangements. She was grieved and hurt;
so grieved that she could hardly restrain her tears, so hurt that she
had the power to do so, and to answer, quietly, "Very well, sir."

She finished what she was doing in the room and then went out, without
another word and without looking towards Mrs Lee.

"You see, she takes it very quietly," said Mr Lee. "Be sure and make
her some little