Left to Ourselves; or, John Headley's Promise.

other, I'm sure you may trust me!
My child, I trust you for all that you know; but there are things which no one but a mother can know.
Of course there are. Oh, I don't for a moment mean that I shall do as well as you , mother, only——
Yes, answered Mrs. Headley, thoughtfully, you see, Agnes, your dear grandmother in America is pronounced to be failing very fast. I have not seen her for twenty years, and if I do not go now I may never see her again in this world.
And father's having to go there on business now makes it so easy.
Easy all but leaving you children.
But I am nineteen now, mother—quite old enough to be trusted; besides, grandmama and aunt Phyllis live next door, and if anything happened I could run in to them.
Mrs. Headley smiled, looking half convinced.
Who is it you are afraid to leave? asked Agnes coaxingly. Is it me , mother?
You? echoed Mrs. Headley, stroking her face tenderly. No, not you, dear.
Then it is John.