"I shall be engaged with Estelle while I am here, and shall not call again; but of course you will come to the hotel to see her, and we will start homeward day after to-morrow evening."
She turned toward the door, but Edna caught her dress.
"Mrs. Murray, kiss me before you go, and tell me you forgive the sorrow I am obliged to cause you to-day. My burden is heavy enough without the weight of your displeasure."
But the proud face did not relax; the mother shook her head, disengaged her dress, and left the room.
An hour after Felix came in, and approaching the sofa where his governess rested, said vehemently:
"Is it true, Edna? Are you going South with Mrs. Murray?"
"Yes; I am going to see a dear friend who is probably dying."
"Oh, Edna! what will become of me?"
"I shall be absent only a few weeks—"
"I have a horrible dread that if you go you will never come back! Don't leave me! Nobody needs you half as much as I do. Edna, you said once you would never forsake me. Remember your promise!"