Nellie rose, as if bewildered for a moment with the unexpectedness of the tidings, and stood with nervous fingers gathering her work together.
"My child," said Aunt Ruth, putting her kind arms round her shoulders, "this is a heavy trial; but we must all ask for strength to bear it, and for her precious life to be spared if possible."
"Is it so bad as that?" Nellie said once more; and then she left the room as if stunned.
She went upstairs and began to collect her things together, while Aunt Ruth followed, and gently helped her, saying nothing, however.
"When is the train?" asked Nellie, looking up once, as if only just awakened from a dream.
"At 12 o'clock; there is no hurry, and the pony carriage is ordered."
"Thank you," she answered mechanically.
"I have sent down to Maude Elliot to be kind enough to see you safely off, dear."
"Oh, thank you," said Nellie. And when she had placed the last few things in the box, the maid came to put on the cord.
"Would you like to walk down and say good-bye to Mrs. Elliot, dear?" asked Aunt Ruth. "She has been very kind to you?"