"No, dear, I am afraid not," answered Miss Arundel, a look of pain crossing her face, but this was quickly followed by a look of peace as she glanced towards the blue sky. "Then your dear mamma?" "We do not think her very well; but papa has not said anything about being anxious." "I have thought from her letters that she was not very strong." Nellie's heart sank a little, and a nameless fear crept over her. Aunt Ruth looked in her face, and seemed to understand. She put out her hand and took hold of Nellie's, saying reassuringly: "'All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.'" Nellie's eyes filled. How wonderful it was that, all the world over, the words of the blessed Book comforted those who sought its aid: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." "And you have good news from Walter?" "Oh, yes!" said Nellie, brightening. "He is very well, and working hard, and longing to come home." "It will be a great change for you all, if he settles in England." "I think he will, Aunt Ruth. Christina does not like India very much; and then, again, Walter wants to be near papa. It seems hard that papa should lose his eldest son altogether." "And Christina is happy to wait so long?" "Oh, yes! In fact, she much prefers it. She says she could not have thought of it sooner, partly because of the little children." "What will be done with them, Nellie, when she is married? Has anything been arranged? You know, dear, letters do not tell me all I want to know." "I do not think it is quite decided. She has only four little children, and I believe she intends, if Walter agrees, to maintain them and educate them just the same. She says if any very nice home were offered for one of them, she might accept; but she loves them so much that I do not know how she could part with them." "She is a sweet girl, is she not?" "Very sweet; and so beautiful! She is most accomplished; and to watch her playing with the little children, and condescending to their pranks and fun, is quite amusing to me." "I wish I could see her," said Aunt Ruth. "She is one of the reliable people," said Nellie, "without being an atom stuck-up or stiff. The tenderest heart, but yet so firm and pure." Aunt Ruth looked up in Nellie's glowing face. "You are a good little lover, Nellie," she said, smiling. "It is quite true," answered Nellie, somewhat abashed, "and not at all because Walter thinks so. I felt it long before I knew anything about that." "And now, Nellie, I must tell you about the Elliots. They are very nice people, and Hope is the greatest comfort to us. I can hardly fancy ourselves living without her now. I am sure you and she will be happy together. But, you know, Nellie, they all need the one thing. It is so sad to see a large family without that. Hope tells me her eldest brother thinks as we do; but she does not profess to care about it herself.