"What am I to say to them?" he cried; "preach patience to them? tell them it is for the best? I who am not worthy the poor bread I eat, who live for myself, in luxury, while he--ay, and you----" "Tell them," said Cicely, the tears dropping from her eyes, "that God sees all--that comforts them the most; that He will take care of the little ones somehow and bring them friends. Oh, Mr. Mildmay, it is not for me to preach to you; I know what you mean; but they, poor souls, don't go thinking and questioning as we do--and that comforts them the most. Besides," said Cicely, simply, "it is true; look at me--you spoke of me. See how my way has been made plain for me! I did not know what I should do; and now I can manage very well, live, and bring up the children; and after all these are the great things, and not pleasure," she added, with a soft little sigh. "The children!" he said. "There is something terrible at your age to hear you speak so. Why should you be thus burdened--why?" "Mr. Mildmay," said Cicely, proudly, "one does not choose one's own burdens. But now that I have got mine I mean to bear it, and I do not wish to be pitied. I am able for all I have to do." "Cicely!" he cried out, suddenly interrupting her, bending low, so that for the moment she thought he was on his knees, "put it on my shoulders! See, they are ready; make me somebody in life, not a mere spectator. What! are you not impatient to see me standing by looking on while you are working? I am impatient, and wretched, and solitary, and contemptible. Put your burden on me, and see if I will not bear it! Don't leave me a ghost any more!" "Mr. Mildmay!" cried Cicely, in dismay. She did not even understand what he meant in the confusion of the moment. She gave him no answer, standing at her own door, alarmed and bewildered; but only entreated him to leave her, not knowing what to think. "Please go, please go; I must not ask you to come in," said Cicely. "Oh, I know what you mean is kind, whatever it is; but please, Mr. Mildmay, go! Good-night!" "Good-night!" he said. "I will go since you bid me; but I will come back to-morrow for my answer. Give me a chance for life."