"I oughtn't to be weak," said Winifred; "but I can't help it."
"It doesn't matter, Winnie," said her brother; "you shall have the advantage of the strength of all the rest."
"That wouldn't be enough," said Winifred, gently leaning her head upon the broad breast which she knew was hers for strength and defence.
"Not, Winnie? — What will you have?"
"I'll have the Bible," said the child, her thin intelligent face looking at him with all its intelligence.
"The Bible, Winnie?" said Winthrop cheerfully.
"Yes, because there I can get strength that isn't my own, and that is better than yours, or anybody's."
"That's true, Winnie; but what do you want so much strength for?" he said coolly.
She looked at him again, a look very hard indeed to bear.
"O I know, Winthrop," she said; — "I want it. — I want it now for your going away."