“Will you be kind enough to write, and ask Mrs. Sterling if she can spare me?  I shall find it hard to tell her myself, for I fear she may think me ungrateful after all her kindness.”

“No:  she is used to parting with those whom she has helped, and is always glad to set them on their way toward better things.  I will write to-morrow, and you can come whenever you will, sure of a welcome, my child.”

Something in the tone of those last words, and the pressure of the strong, kind hand, touched Christie’s sore heart, and made it impossible for her to hide the truth entirely.

She only said:  “Thank you, sir.  I shall be very glad to come;” but her eyes were full, and she held his hand an instant, as if she clung to it sure of succor and support.

Then she went home so pale and quiet; so helpful, patient, and affectionate, that Mrs. Sterling watched her anxiously; David looked amazed; and, even self-absorbed Kitty saw the change, and was touched by it.

On the morrow, Mr. Power’s note came, and Christie fled upstairs while it was read and discussed.

“If I get through this parting without disgracing myself, I don’t care what happens to me afterward,” she said; and, in order that she might do so, she assumed a cheerful air, and determined to depart with all the honors of war, if she died in the attempt.

So, when Mrs. Sterling called her down, she went humming into the parlor, smiled as she read the note silently given her, and then said with an effort greater than any she had ever made in her most arduous part on the stage: 

“Yes, I did say to Mr. Power that I thought I’d better be moving on.  I’m a restless creature as you know; and, now that you don’t need me, I’ve a fancy to see more of the world.  If you want me back again in the spring, I’ll come.”

“I shall want thee, my dear, but will not say a word to keep thee now, for thee does need a change, and Mr. Power can give thee work better suited to thy taste than any here.  We shall see thee sometimes, and spring will make thee long for the flowers, I hope,” was Mrs. Sterling’s answer, as Christie gave back the note at the end of her difficult speech.

“Don’t think me ungrateful.  I have been very happy here, and never shall forget how motherly kind you have been to me.  You will believe this and love me still, though I go away and leave you for a little while?” prayed Christie, with a face full of treacherous emotion.

Mrs. Sterling laid her hand on Christie’s head, as she knelt down impulsively before her, and with a soft solemnity that made the words both an assurance and a blessing, she said: 

“I believe and love and honor thee, my child.  My heart warmed to thee from the first:  it has taken thee to itself now; and nothing can ever come between us, unless thee wills it.  Remember that, and go in peace with an old friend’s thanks, and good wishes in return for faithful service, which no money can repay.”