"What is a scholarship, mamma?"
"A sum of money, dear, which is allowed you every year while you are at Oxford, to help to pay your expenses. Because, you know, papa couldn't afford to pay all the money it would cost while you were there."
"And why couldn't you pay it, mamma?"
"I shall not be here then, dear boy," said Mrs Campbell, very softly.
"But you will be wherever I am, mamma."
"I shall be sleeping in the churchyard, darling boy; over yonder, under the tall, grey tower."
Harry burst out impetuously:
"No, you shan't die, mamma! Why should you die? I won't let you go!"
And Harry sobbed as though his heart would break. For his sake, Mrs Campbell seemed to win strength and quietness. And taking him gently by the hand she led him upstairs to bed, sat by him till he was heavily asleep, his face all stained with tears, and then went wearily downstairs again, took her writing desk, and began a letter to her husband.