Frank's conduct was variable: sometimes he was very lively and full of fun; and then, again, his sister's eyes would be fixed upon him with tender reproach, as he answered some question of hers or Ellen's with impatience or bitterness.
To both the doctor and his wife, it was with keen regret that they parted with one who had become to them like an own child. They gave her much good advice; her aunt, especially, talked with her long and earnestly of the duties that were before her, and the necessity of keeping her own heart with all diligence, if she would hope to show those around her that she loved her Saviour.
Of Alice, too, they spoke, and of Aunt Clarissa. Mrs. Collins advised her niece to be obliging and attentive to these relatives, to convince them by her conduct of her desire to please them, so far as she could do so without violating her own conscience, or the duties she owed her God.
On the evening Mr. Saunders arrived, her uncle commended her—
"The child who is to leave those who love her so fondly—to the kind care of her heavenly Father." Asking him to be her protector, her guide, her portion for evermore.
Then they retired to her aunt's chamber, where, with a burst of tears, Ellen exclaimed,—
"To-morrow night I shall hear no prayer! Oh, how shall I act when left to myself?"
"You will have an ever-present Friend, my dear child," said her aunt, suppressing her own emotion. "Go to him freely with all the trials that afflict you. Ask his help as you would ask that of your earthly father. Remember you are his child, adopted into his family, and have a claim upon the promises for support and protection, with which the Bible is filled."
"Dear aunt, what do I not owe you?" sobbed the weeping girl. "Think what I was when I came here! No one but you would have loved a wicked liar. I cannot bear to think of it!"
"There was One who loved you far better than I did; One who gave his life that you might be saved from the consequences of all your sins; One who will go with you to-morrow, and remain with you as long as you desire his presence. Oh, Ellen, keep near to him by prayer! He knows all the trials to which you will be subjected in your Christian course. For your sake, he became a Man of sorrows that he might know how to succor you when you are tempted. You are very, very dear to all of us, Ellen. We shall miss you every hour of the day; and every time we gather around the family altar we shall implore a blessing for you."