"The worst is, Ada," answered Nellie, choking down a thick feeling in her throat, "I am afraid mamma looks as if she ought to have 'a thorough change,' and I do not quite see how she is to have it."
"She is to go away with papa when you come back."
"Yes, I know."
"That will not be long, Nellie; and papa could not go now if it were ever so."
"No, no, Ada. Come, I am tired and stupid, and have got worried; but I will try and cheer up."
Ada looked in her face kindly, and went back to her drawer; while Nellie placed the last few things in the box, and then got up and began to prepare for tea.
"Leave that drawer to me to finish, dear," she said at last.
"Why?"
"Because I know where the things go, and shall be able to find them when I come back."
"Very well; and it is almost tea-time, so I will go and see about it. It will be only one day before I shall have it for my duty."