'You never go from home now, papa,' she took an opportunity of saying as she wound her soft arms round Sir Harry's time-silvered head and drew it down upon her breast; 'and seldom though I do so, I wish to escape this visit to Earlshaugh—I am most loth to leave you.'
'For a few weeks—a few miles' distance!'
'But who will take my place when I am gone? Who will make your breakfast so early, cut the papers, and brighten up the fire for you——'
'The housekeeper, of course.'
'Deck the room with flowers; walk with you along the woody paths by the river? Who will read, play, and sing to you at night? I do not wish to go at all, papa—let Annot go alone.'
'Nonsense, girl! I shall miss you, of course, but it is only for a time,' said her father, who knew and felt well that it was in the nature of Hester to think and anticipate his every wish, and do all that in its truest and holiest sense made Merlwood a home for him.
'You are not worrying yourself about anything, dear?' said the old gentleman, who had his own thoughts on the matter, as he put an arm caressingly round her, and eyed her anxiously.
'Of course not, papa,' replied Hester with assumed briskness; 'about what should I worry?'
'Little troubles look big at times,' said he, laying his head back in his easy-chair.
Her trouble was not a little one, however, and while pursuing his own thoughts her father made her pale cheek grow paler still.