Mrs. Elliot answered somewhat constrainedly, "My dear, you must not appeal to me. I have not been able to understand the dealings of Providence."
"Somehow," said Nellie hesitating, "mamma thinks that we shall be able to understand some day, though we cannot now."
"It is often very hard and very mysterious," said Mrs. Elliot, looking along the lane in a hopeless kind of way that made Nellie's heart ache.
Maude sprang up, and went to peep round a bend, to look for the others, and Nellie put her hand softly on Mrs. Elliot's. "I would rather trust Him!" she said gently, looking with full eyes into the careworn widow's face.
"I do not know, my dear; life has been a long struggle with me, and I have had but little joy, and now my best is gone, and I have nothing left but an empty chair and an empty heart."
"It must be dreadful," said Nellie; "but, oh, forgive me, if I say that I know Jesus Christ is able to give you comfort and peace."
"Thank you, dear. I know at least that you think so," answered Mrs. Elliot, pressing her hand kindly.
"Here they come," said Maude. "How pretty they look winding up the road in their fresh muslin dresses and sailor hats."
"We have overtaken you at last," said Hope; "and we have been settling the order of march for the next stage; three little ones are to ride next."
"Jump in, then," said Mrs. Elliot; and they all again set forward.