She spoke cheerfully, but it cost her an effort because of the grieved, troubled looks on the dear little faces.
"But baby, mamma!" cried Vi, "baby can't do without you!"
"No, dear, she and mammy will have to go with me."
They were not the usual merry party at the tea-table, and a good many tears were shed during the talk with mamma afterward.
They all consented to her going, but the parting with her, and the thought of doing without her for "so long" were the greatest trials they had ever known.
She saw all the younger ones in bed, kissed each one good-night, and reminding them that their heavenly Father was always with them, and that she would not be too far away to come at once to them if needed, she left them to their sleep.
Elsie followed her mother to her dressing-room, watched for every opportunity to assist in her preparations for her absence. They were not many, and with some parting injunctions to this little daughter and the servants, she announced herself ready to go.
Elsie clung to her with tears at the last, as they stood together in the lower hall waiting for the others.
"Mamma, what shall I do without you? I've never been away from you a whole day in all my life."
"No, dearest, but be my brave, helpful little girl. You must try to fill mother's place to the little ones. I shall not be far away, you know, and your dear father will be here nearly all the time. And don't forget, darling, that your best Friend is always with you."