"What will become of our service?" said Ada.
"Yes, that quite makes me sorry; but I think I shall go directly after it to-day, and try to be down early the day after to-morrow; that is, if I can; but duty must come first you know."
So he went at one o'clock, and they all felt strangely dull without him.
That afternoon Mrs. Arundel, going upstairs for something, found Nellie in her room crying bitterly, and drew back astonished.
"My dear Nellie," she said kindly, when she saw her entrance was perceived, "is there anything the matter?"
But she only obtained sobs for her answer. Really puzzled, Mrs. Arundel stood waiting until she was quieter, and then poor Nellie began to apologise.
"It is so stupid of me," she said; "and I never thought of your coming up, mamma. But I am all right now."
"But what is it, dear Nellie? What has made you sad? You would not cry without a cause. Are you ill?"
"I am so ashamed, mamma," she said, tears falling afresh. "I am afraid I was counting too much on Walter's being here, and now he has gone!"
Mrs. Arundel sat down by her, and took her little trembling hand while she said soothingly, "It is a long lesson, dear, and hard to learn, not to prize some of God's gifts too highly; but it is one which He would have us learn without the bitter sorrow we sometimes bring upon ourselves. What if by this short separation, Nellie, He is wishing to give you a gentle reminder that you are living too entirely for Walter?"