Then repeating her thanks, "You have not been here for a long time, Mrs. Travilla," she said, "I know I have not returned your calls, but—" she paused seemingly again overcome with emotion.
"Ah, that shall not keep me away, if you wish me to come," returned
Elsie.
"We would be very glad; hardly any one else so welcome."
"I fear I have neglected you, but shall try to come soon. And shall be pleased at any time to see you at Ion," Elsie answered as the carriage drove on.
A day or two afterward she fulfilled her promise, and was admitted by
Annie, the eldest daughter.
She, too, looked pale and careworn, and had evidently been weeping.
"O, Mrs. Travilla!" she exclaimed, and burst into a fresh flood of tears.
Elsie, her own eyes filling with sympathetic drops, put her arm about her, whispering, "My poor dear child! what can I do to comfort you?"
"Nothing! nothing!" sobbed the girl, resting her head for a moment on Elsie's shoulder; "But come into the parlor, dear Mrs. Travilla, and let me call mamma."
"Ah, stay a moment," Elsie said, detaining her, "are you sure, quite sure that I can do nothing to help you?"