“I must say good-bye now. My patients cannot be kept waiting, and I must go. One word to you, Oscar. Be careful not to carry your schemes too far while you are visiting. Here, at home, every one knows you; and, if you do a foolish thing, they say: ‘It’s the doctor’s boy; he’ll soon be set right.’ But now you will have only yourself to depend upon; so don’t go into anything heedlessly. Don’t undertake anything which you are not quite sure about, so that no unpleasant consequences may result either for yourself or for the lady whose guest you are to be. You must remember that you will displease Mrs. Stanhope if you do a wrong or foolish thing. You are old enough to understand me without farther explanation. Do not forget. Now good-bye, my boy, and you too, Emma; good-bye, Fred. Be happy and be good.” With these words the father shook all three pairs of outstretched hands and was off. The mother drew Emma to the other side of the room for a word of admonition. The big roll of paper and the book that the little girl had been so anxious to have at Christmas, and was now so determined to take with her, roused anxious thoughts in the mother’s mind, and she felt that she must speak seriously to the child, warning her not to instigate Fani to any undertaking which Mrs. Stanhope might not approve. She reminded Emma that Fani was now very well off, and that the prospect before him was very bright, if Mrs. Stanhope should decide to take him under her protection. But it was of the greatest importance that he should do nothing to displease Mrs. Stanhope, and Emma would certainly never forgive herself if she should be the means of leading him to act contrary to his benefactress’ wishes. Emma understood the value of her mother’s suggestion and promised to heed her advice, adding earnestly that she would try to think of different ways in which Fani could make himself agreeable to Mrs. Stanhope. “You’d far better not think about it at all, my child,” replied her mother. “Enjoy with Fani the pleasures and advantages of his life, and don’t try to bring about any special event, as you are so fond of doing. And one thing more: don’t forget to pray every day to God to protect you and to help you to carry out all your good resolutions. Now that you are leaving home, my only comfort is that our Father’s hand is still about you, there as well as here. Promise me that you will pray for the heavenly blessing every night, as we do together at home.” Emma promised not to neglect her morning and evening prayers, and begged her mother to have no anxiety about her. Meanwhile, aunty had been standing by the window, talking with Fred.