"Yes," again answered Laura, very quickly.
"Then, my child, you must go alone to their relief."
Laura's eyes opened very wide at this.
"How can I? I do not know the way."
"We will guide you, if you have resolution enough to undertake it."
Perplexed, Laura knew not what to say. How could she go alone? All sorts of dangers rose before her—great gloomy forests to traverse, wild beasts to meet, perhaps. She stood irresolute, her hand on the Motherkin's shoulder.
The old lady took her hand in hers as she said, "I do not compel it, Laura."
"But the poor little children—how can I be of service to them? I do not know how."
"I will instruct you; I will aid you. All I ask is for you to go alone: will you, or will you not?"
A vision of the little lonely hut and the suffering child and the ministering sister rose before Laura.