CHAPTER VIII.
JOSEY'S GIFT.
Aunt Fanny's burns were now nearly healed. For a week she had been without the bandages, though the wounds were still tender. Her trunks were mostly packed, and many tokens of love placed there by beloved friends.
When with her brother's family the young missionary always wore a cheerful smile; but there were hours when she wept at the thought of parting from those who were so dear. Yet not for one instant did she regret the choice of her life. She was going to tell the poor benighted heathen of the love of Jesus,—to try and persuade them to throw away their idols, and worship the living and true God.
As she thought of all this, and realized what a privilege it was to save souls from eternal death, her whole heart glowed with a desire to be among those for whom she was to labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Matthews had been travelling for some weeks, but had now returned to be in season for the wedding.
On the Sabbath night previous, the family were seated in the library, when mamma noticed that Josey was not present. She could not account for this, because, when out of school, he was scarcely a moment away from his aunt's side. She went through several rooms in search of him, and at last found him in a closet by himself, sobbing as if his heart would break.
"Why must Aunt Fanny go?" he sobbed, "I can't bear it,—I can't bear not to see her any longer!"
"My darling," said mamma, taking his hand, and leading him to her own chamber, "do you know what Aunt Fanny is going for?"