“Yes, and a nice handful she was. Ill for weeks, and I had to attend upon her. This is a black girl, so humorous, kindly, and good, and been to sea quite a long time.”
We were very happy that evening, especially when aunt told us that we were going to India, and that we should call at the Cape and probably see mamma.
“Oh,” I shouted, “I’m so glad that we played pirates.”
“So am I,” cried Jill, and began to dance.
“Auntie,” I said, “promise me one thing. Oh, you must promise.”
“Well, well, if I must promise, what is it?”
“You’ll write and tell mamma we’ve gone to sea. But don’t say where. We want to pop in on her unawares. Don’t we, Jill?”
“Certainly.”
“Well,” said auntie, “I’ll humour you for once.”
There is always something in this life happening to mar one’s joy, just when it is at its height. That is my experience. But things are wisely ordered. Heaven does not desire us to get too fond of this world. If it were all sunshine we would be sure to, and forget there is a happier land beyond the grave.