Mary hid her face in her hands. Adam walked to the window and looked out; but the other three broke out into a sudden, hurried clamor, strangely at variance with their usual staid demeanor. "Oh, father, we couldn't let him go!" "Why, father, I can't think what you mean!" "I'm sure, sir, we never thought of such a thing as sending him away. Why, he's our Ben." "Good enough little kid, only mischievous." "Needs a little governing, that's all. Mary spoils him; no harm in him, not a mite." "And the lovingest little soul! the minute he found that Kitty's paw was cut, he sat down and cried--" "I guess if Benny went, I'd go after him pretty quick!" said Joseph, who had been loudest in his complaint against the child. Mary looked up and smiled through her tears. "Joe, your heart is in the right place!" she said. "I finished your shirts this morning, dear; I'm going to begin on your slippers to-night." "Well, but, father--" "Father dear, about little Benny--" "Yes, sir--poor little Ben!" "Go easy!" said Father Golden; and his face, as he looked from one to the other, was as bright as his name. "Why, children, you're real excited. I don't want excitement, nor crying--Mary, daughter, I knew how you would feel, anyway. I want a serious word, 'go,' or 'stay,' from each one of you; a word that will last your lives long. I'll begin with the youngest, because that was your mother's way. She always said the youngest was nearest heaven. Joseph, what is your word about little Benjamin?" "Stay, of course!" cried Joe. "Benny does tease me, but I should be nowhere without him." "Ruth! you seemed greatly tried just now. Think what you are going to say." "Oh, of course he must stay, father. Why, the child is the life of the house. We are all so humdrum and mopy, I don't know what we should do without Benny to keep us moving." "Mary, daughter--not that I need your answer, my dear." "He is the only child I shall ever have!" said Mary, simply. There was silence for a moment, and all thought of the grave where her young heart had laid its treasure. "Lemuel!" "I've been hard on the child, Father!" said Lemuel. "He's so different from the rest of us, and he does try me. But mother loved him, and down at the bottom we all do, I guess. I say 'stay,' too, and I'll try to be more of a brother to him from now on." "Son Adam, I have left you the longest time to reflect," said Father Golden. "You are the oldest, and when I am gone it will be on you and Mary that the heft of the care will come. Take all the time you want, and then give us your word!" Adam turned round; his face was very grave, but he spoke cheerfully. "I have had time enough, Father," he said. "I was the first that heard that little voice, ten years ago, and the first, except mother, that saw the child; 'twould be strange if I were the one to send him away. He came in Christ's name, and in that name I bid him stay." "Amen!" said Father Golden.