Ellen set off for the Bible-class with the hope of meeting Mary there. She was surprised to find her absent, and still more so when at the close, Miss Graham said to her, "Can you tell me anything of Mary Nelson, Ellen? She has not been to the class for two Sundays."
"No, miss; I have seen nothing of her for the last month," was Ellen's reply.
"Does she not work for your aunt?" inquired Miss Graham, in astonishment.
"No, not now," replied Ellen, colouring as she spoke. "My aunt dismissed her."
Miss Graham seemed much surprised to hear this, but asked no questions as to the circumstances under which Mary had been dismissed.
"I have not seen you here for some weeks," she said. "I began to fear you had ceased to take an interest in the class."
"Oh, no!" Ellen assured her. "It was not that. I have been very sorry to stay away, but my aunt did not wish me to come."
"Indeed! I am sorry for that," replied her teacher. "Have you come with her permission this afternoon?"
"Yes, Miss Graham."
"Then I hope she will let you come again next Sunday. I must try to see Mary Nelson this week, for her absence makes me anxious. I trust she is not ill, but she is usually so regular in her attendance that I am sure she would not stay away for any trivial cause."