She guessed he would read them at once and she waited with a beating heart. In a little while she heard his step coming back along the hall. He came and sat down by her on the sofa, and took her hand.
"What is your wish in this matter, my child?" he said, gravely and cheerfully.
Ellen's look answered that.
"I will do whatever you say I must, Sir," she said, faintly.
"I dare not ask myself what I would wish, Ellen; the matter is taken out of our hands. You must do your parents' will, my child. I will try to hope that you will gain more than I lose. As the Lord pleases! If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."
"Mrs. Gillespie," he said, after a pause, "is about going to England I know not how soon. It will be best for you to see her at once, and make all arrangements that may be necessary. I will go with you tomorrow to Ventnor, if the day be a good one."
There was something Ellen longed to say, but it was impossible to get it out she could not utter a word. She had pressed her hands upon her face to try to keep herself quiet; but Mr. Humphreys could see the deep crimson flushing to the very roots of her hair. He drew her close within his arms for a moment, kissed her forehead, Ellen felt it was sadly, and went away. It was well she did not hear him sigh as he went back along the hall it was well she did not see the face of more settled gravity with which he sat down to his writing she had enough of her own.
They went to Ventnor. Mrs. Gillespie with great pleasure undertook the charge of her, and promised to deliver her safely to her friends in Scotland. It was arranged that she should go back to Thirlwall to make her adieus; and that, in a week or two, a carriage should be sent to bring her to Ventnor, where her preparations for the journey should be made, and whence the whole party would set off.
"So you are going to be a Scotchwoman, after all, Ellen," said
Miss Sophia.
"I had a great deal rather be an American, Miss Sophia."