Presently the sound of the children's voices overhead aroused her; she went upstairs, and helped Susan to dress them. Returning to the everyday duties of life had a soothing effect upon her. She made a violent effort and managed to put her trouble behind her for the time being. Whatever happened, her mother must not see any traces of it. When the baby was dressed, she took him as usual to her mother's room. Mrs. Staunton sat up in bed and stretched out her arms to receive him. Effie gave him to her mother, who began to kiss his little face hungrily. "Has George gone, Effie?" said the mother. "Yes, mother, dear." "Did anyone see him off--did he have his breakfast?" "Yes, he had a good breakfast; I got it ready for him last night." "But did anyone see him off?" "I did." "That's right; I should not have liked him to have had his last meal by himself. I miss him awfully. Effie, dear, how soon do you think we can go to London?" "As soon as possible, mother--in about six weeks." "Six weeks!" exclaimed Mrs. Staunton. "I can't live without George for six weeks." "Oh, yes, you can, mother--at least you'll try." CHAPTER XII. When Effie had finished the many small duties which fell to her share in the household economy, she went up to her bedroom and hastily changed her everyday dress for her best one. She did not take long about this task. Her small face looked very pale and thin under the heavy crepe on her hat. Taking up her gloves she ran down to the parlor where her mother was sitting. Mrs. Staunton was busily mending some stockings for George. A pile of his clothes lay on the table by her side. "I thought we might send these to London next week," she said, looking up as her daughter entered the room. "George will want a really warm greatcoat for the winter, and this one of your father's--why, Effie, my dear----" She stopped abruptly, and gazed up at Effie's best hat. "Where are you going, my love?" she said. "I thought you could help me this morning." "I am going out, mother, for a little." "But where to? Why have you your best things on?" "I am going to the Harveys'." "To the Harveys'--to The Grange?" Mrs. Staunton shuddered slightly; she turned her head aside. "Why are you going there?" she asked, after a pause. "I want to see them--I won't be long away. Please, mother, don't tire yourself over all that mending now." "It interests me, my dear; I find it impossible to sit with my hands before me. I am stronger than I used to be. I have got to live for George; and George is young, he is entering life, he must not be saddled with an old, ailing mother. I must get strong, I must get back my youth for his sake. Don't be long away, Effie, dear. I wonder you like to go to the Harveys' under the circumstances, but you know best. Children are very independent nowadays," concluded Mrs. Staunton, with a sigh. Effie went up to her mother and kissed her, then she softly left the room.