The young girl looked up; she was very beautiful, and the spiritual expression on her face intensified and heightened her beauty in a singular degree.
“Ruined, dear mother? Is my father very unhappy about it?”
“He is more angry than unhappy; it has happened through the dishonesty of persons he trusted.”
“Shall we have to leave home?” asked Maheleth.
“I fear we shall; it is a heavy trial.”
“It will be for our good in the end, mother darling. I am so sorry for you and my father, because you have always been used to riches.”
“So have you, my poor child.”
“But not for so long a time; and it is easier to root up a sapling than a full-grown tree.”
“Ah! you hardly know what may be before you, Maheleth; your sisters are mere children; we have but few relations; with fortune, so also friends will forsake us; the shock will be very sudden, and we shall have to bear it alone.”
“You forget our God,” said the girl gently.