"I may not, my child."
"Carry! Charley! what ought I to do?"
Charley shook his head; but Carry was not so prudent. "Oh! Ida! your going will break sister's heart; a year cannot make much difference."
"If it is my duty at all, it is now, as much as then—is it not?" asked Ida, of Charley.
"I am afraid so;" said he, seriously.
"Charley! how can you!" exclaimed Carry. "One would think you were willing to lose her! You are young, Ida—there is no necessity for burying yourself alive, yet."
"Have a care, Carry! John is right—she must decide;" cautioned Arthur.
"One question, Ida," said Charley, kindly. "You have revolved this issue often in your mind, even since you have been with us—have you not?"
"Yes."