"I have faith in no one else, Mattie, to do me this service. You are always cool, and will know the best way to proceed. Cheer up the old gentleman all you can, too;—you were a quaint girl once—don't let him miss me if you can help it."
"And you'll be gone——"
"Six weeks or two months."
"It's not a very happy journey, sir."
"How do you know that?" was the quick rejoinder.
"You're not looking happy—there's trouble in your face, Mr. Sidney."
"Well, there is room for it, and I am going, as I fear, to face trouble, and bring back with me disappointment. We can't have it all our own way in this world, Mattie."
"No, sir, that's not likely."
"And if there be more troubles than one ahead, why we must fight against them till we beat them back, or they—crush us under foot. Good-bye."
He shook hands with her long and heartily, adding, "You will remember your trust—you will break the news to him like a daughter?"