Imelda did not refuse. She felt it was not so easy to sunder ties. She also felt a sadness steal over her as she thought of how soon she was to turn her back upon all the scenes of the old life, and some very sharp pangs made themselves manifest.
CHAPTER XIV.
The evening found her with her friends. After supper Wilbur came and was told of the projected change. He bent a quick searching glance upon Imelda and in the eyes that met his he thought he read a subdued pain. All through that evening Imelda was unusually quiet. Wilbur and Margaret played and sang but Imelda only listened. Mrs. Leland once in passing behind her chair, laid her hand upon the glossy dark hair, slightly bending the head so she could look into the dark eyes, saying in a low tone:
“Are the dreams of the future not bright, dear Imelda? Don’t let the shadows of the past follow you into the future. Keep a brave heart and it will be strange if the future does not contain for you something for which it is worth your while to work and wait.”
The dark eyes of the girl filled with a pearly mist.
“Thank you, Mrs. Leland. When you, who have certainly seen some of the very darkest sides of life can still give such encouragement there must indeed be a bright side to all things, only I am parting with so much that is pleasant in the present, while the future is yet a sealed book. Not knowing what it may contain, it is not very wonderful that I should feel the least bit sad.”
“But you are to be an inmate of a beautiful home and the companion of the friend of former days.” Imelda smiled.
“Yes, of former days, indeed. In the present she is no longer all-sufficient. I have been walking in the pathways of progress. She has been lingering in those of blind faith, of contentment and of duty. I fear there will be many lonely hours for me.”
“There may be,” said Mrs. Leland, “but also, maybe, you can take this little girl by the hand and lead her by your side. Who knows what your work in this new life you are about to enter really may be? So be of good cheer. At all events it is not to another world, or even to another continent you are going. You can send us your thought and your love and receive a return in a few days. I know Margaret and Wilbur will both expect a great many of the white-winged messengers, and they will keep your fingers busy in their spare moments.”
She bent and kissed the warm lips of the girl and passed out of the room, soon returning with a basket of luscious fruit. For a time the music was hushed while the fruit was discussed. But as all things, the best as well as the worst, must come to an end, so with Imelda’s visit to her dearly cherished friends. As the evening was far advanced when Imelda rose to go home, Margaret coaxed her to remain with her.