“The managers think it is best that you should go out and take a situation.  I am sorry I am forced to give you up, very sorry, for you have always been a good girl, and I love you dearly; but these things cannot be avoided, and I hope all will turn out for the best.  There is a place engaged for you, and Miss White wishes you to go to-morrow.  I trust you will not have a hard time.  You are to take care of an infant, and they will give you six dollars a month besides your board and clothes.  Try to do your duty, child, and perhaps something may happen which will enable you to turn teacher.”

“Well, I will do the best I can.  I do not mind work, but then Lilly--” Her head went down on her arms once more.

“Yes, dear, I know it is very hard for you to part with her; but remember, it is for her good.  Mr. Grayson is very wealthy, and of course Lilly and Claudy will have—­”

“And what is money to my—­” Again she paused abruptly.

“Ah, child, you do not begin to know!  Money is everything in this world to some people, and more than the next to other poor souls.  Well, well, I hope it will prove for the best as far as you are concerned.  It is early yet, but maybe you had better go to bed, as you are obliged to leave in the morning.”

“I could not sleep.”

“God will help you, dear child, if you try to do your duty.  All of us have sorrows, and if yours have begun early, they may not last long.  Poor little thing, I shall always remember you in my prayers.”  She kissed her gently, and left her, hoping that solitude would soothe her spirits.  Miss White’s words rang in the girl’s ears like a knell.  “She will soon be perfectly satisfied away from you.”

Would she?  Could that idolized sister learn to do without her, and love her new friends as fondly as the untiring one who had cradled her in her arms for six long years?  A foreboding dread hissed continually, “Do you suppose the wealthy and fashionable Mrs. Grayson, who lives in that elegant house on ——­ street, will suffer her adopted daughter to associate intimately with a hired nurse?”

Again the light streamed into the room.  She buried her face deeper in her apron.

“Beulah,” said a troubled, anxious voice.

“Oh, Eugene!” She sprang up with a dry sob, and threw herself into his arms.

“I know it all, dear Beulah; but come down to Mrs. Williams’ room; there is a bright fire there, and your hands are as cold as ice.  You will make yourself sick sitting here without even a shawl around you.”  He led her downstairs to the room occupied by the matron, who kindly took her work to the dining room, and left them to talk unrestrainedly.

“Sit down in this rocking-chair and warm your hands.”

He seated himself near her, and as the firelight glowed on the faces of both, they contrasted strangely.  One was classical and full of youthful beauty, the other wan, haggard, and sorrow-stained.  He looked about sixteen, and promised to become a strikingly handsome man, while the proportions of his polished brow indicated more than ordinary intellectual endowments.  He watched his companion earnestly, sadly, and, leaning forward, took one of her hands.