“I thought at first that I was only going away with nurse to a warmer country to get well again, but now, I think—I am almost sure—that I am going to heaven soon. Don’t cry, Vi.”
“Why do you think so?” sobbed the child.
“I don’t know if I can explain, quite. It seems as if something inside told me—just as something tells the swallows when they are to go.”
“The swallows come back,” said Violet, with another convulsive sob.
“Yes,” answered Winifred dreamily; “but when we get to heaven, Vi, I do not think we shall want to come back.”
Violet checked her tears presently, and asked: “Aren’t you afraid, Winnie?”
“No; not now.”
“I should be.”
“I was once; but I’m so sure now that God will take care of me. When the swallows go they’re not afraid, and they don’t know where they are going, and they don’t know the way. God takes care of them, so I can’t help being quite sure that He will take care of me.”
Violet sat silent, staring into the fire. By-and-by she heaved a great sigh.