Lena lifted her head to listen with such an injured expression that her Aunt laughed. "I believe you are glad to go!" (indignantly).
"Yes, dear, I am glad, though very very sorry to leave you. I am glad because Miss Howard has to go, and wants a companion; and you know, dear, it is always pleasant to be able to do anything for your friends."
"But I want you too."
"Not now. You have wanted me, but now you have Mama and Papa; and, Lena, you love them both very dearly, I know."
"Yes, but I want you too."
"We none of us can have all we want in this world. Ask God, my little one, to make you grateful and thankful for all the blessings He has so liberally bestowed on you, instead of murmuring for what you cannot have."
Before Lena had time to reply, Mrs. Graham opened the door, asking, as she did so, if she might come in.
"O Mama, why does Auntie want to go away from us? Mayn't she stay with us?"
"Of course she may, dear; but Aunt Mary thinks Miss Howard requires her. We want her, and she requires her. Now don't you see why Auntie has decided on going abroad?"
"Yes, because she thinks it right;" adding, "but couldn't Miss Howard come and live with her here?"