“Phoebe,” she said, “Mr. Pryor and I have something most important to say to each other. Be sure you take great care of Maria, and don’t let her catch cold.”
Phoebe promised, and Mr. Pryor and Nan, hand in hand, walked in the direction of the Hadleigh Woods.
They walked in absolute silence until they reached the woods, and then their steps became slower, and Nan looked up into the face of her companion and said:
“I wish you would tell me. What did mother say?”
“My dear Nan, your mother knew very well that the day was soon coming when God would send for her. She did not like to talk to you about it, although she often tried to; she was anxious about you, but not very anxious.”
“I wonder mother was not very anxious when she thought of leaving me so far, far behind,” said Nan.
“You see, she did not think that, for in reality those who go to God are not separated very far from those they leave.”
“Then is mother near me?”
“You cannot see her, nor can you realise it, but I should not be surprised if she were quite near you.”
“She knows all about my black dress and my crape?” said Nan. “Phoebe said she would be so glad about the crape!”