"But she cannot leave Mary——"
"Why not, Rob?—You know that I would be the last one to ask that question if there was any other way of solving the problem; but since there is not, why cannot Mary be left with me? I need not assure you that she will be taken care of to the best of my ability."
"You have more than proved that, Frank. If she were your own child, you could not show greater love for her. And she almost worships you."
"Yes, I flatter myself that I come a close second to you and Elizabeth and the babies, and I promise to do all in my power to lessen the pain of this separation for her. She is the one who will suffer most, for she is not old enough to see the matter in the proper light. To us, a year is only twelve short months which pass all too quickly; but to a child, it is an eternity. I am sorry that this trial should come upon her now after all that she has been through."
"That is just it, Frank,—not only for her but for all of us. It seems a terrible thing to be separated from her now for so long a time, when we came so near to losing her. I am sure that Elizabeth will not consent to leave her——"
"Then Elizabeth will have to remain at home. Here she is to speak for herself."
"What plan is afoot now, gentlemen? You look as sober as judges," laughed Mrs. Selwyn.
"An ocean voyage followed by a year in Italy is a subject for rather serious thought, is it not?"
"No, indeed, Rob. I should say it is a very pleasant subject. Who among our friends has this treat in store for him?"
"It happens that, in this case, the pleasure is not unmixed with pain."