The thought gave her inexpressible pain.
She sank upon the floor and hid her face in her hands, weeping silent and bitter tears while the hum of gay talk and laughter flowed on unheeded in the next room.
So it is ever in the busy, jostling world. Sorrow and joy go side by side.
The bridal train meets the funeral procession. Life is mingled sunshine and shadow.
Ah, if Bertram Chesleigh could only have known what true and faithful little heart was breaking so near him.
After awhile the brightness died from Ruby's eyes, the little face looked tired and wan. She said, almost petulantly:
"Now I shall send you all away. Miss Glenalvan laughs so much she makes my head ache."
"Fie, my darling," cried her mother.
"It is the truth, mamma," cried the willful little girl. "I want you all to go now and Mary shall bathe my head until I get better."
"Who is Mary? I feel quite jealous of her," said Elinor, sweetly, but inwardly raging at the spoiled child's "whims" as she termed them to herself.