For a moment Mrs. Leland seemed to be silently musing; then she said, “I withdraw my request, Evelyn.  I have decided upon new plans for myself, and should prefer to have you go with your uncle.  You needn’t look hurt, child; I’m sure it is what you have seemed to desire.”

“Mamma,” said the little girl, going up to her, standing by the side of her easy-chair, and gazing down beseechingly into her eyes, “why will you persist in speaking so doubtfully of my love for you?  It hurts me, mamma; it almost breaks my heart; especially now that you are all I have left.”

“Well there, you need not fret; of course I know you must have some natural affection for your mother,” returned Laura carelessly.

“Here, sit down on this stool at my feet, and you shall hear about my change of plans.

“Mrs. Lang called to tell me they are going to Europe—­will sail in a fortnight—­and to ask me to accompany them; and I have accepted the invitation.  You were included in it also, but I shall have less care if I leave you behind; and though I have always intended that you should have the trip some day, I think it much the wiser plan to defer it for a few years till you are old enough to appreciate and make the best use of all its advantages.

“Beside, your uncle being your guardian, his consent would have to be gained, and I have no mind to stoop to ask it.”

“Mamma, I am satisfied to stay,” said Evelyn; “I should be very loath to add to your cares, or lessen in any way your enjoyment.”

It was with no slight feeling of relief that Lester and Elsie heard of this new determination on the part of their sister-in-law; for her behavior toward them thus far had been such as to make her presence in their home anything but desirable.

With an aching heart Evelyn watched and aided in the preparations for her mother’s departure, which would take place some weeks earlier than her own and that of her uncle and aunt.

But naturally quiet and undemonstrative, she usually kept her feelings locked up within her own breast, and in consequence was sometimes accused by her mother of being cold-hearted and indifferent.

Yet, as the day of separation drew near, Laura grew more affectionate toward her child than she had ever been before.

That was joy to Evelyn, but made the parting more bitter when it came.  Mother and child wept in each other’s arms, and Evelyn whispered with a bursting sob, “O mamma, if you would only give it up and go with us!”

“Nonsense, child! it is quite too late for that now,” returned Laura, giving her a last embrace and hurrying into the carriage which was to convey her to the depot; for she was to travel by rail to New York City, and there take the steamer for Europe.

Lester went with her to the city, to see her safe on board the vessel, leaving his wife and child behind.  Elsie’s tender heart was full of pity for Evelyn—­robbed of both parents, and left lonely and forlorn.