But, notwithstanding, Miss Farrell was able to speak to Winifred about “your dear father,” and to look upon all the proceedings of the boys with an indulgence which sometimes almost exasperated their sister, yet was an unspeakable consolation and support to her in the troubles of the past years. For to have some one who will not believe any evil, who will never appear conscious of the existence of anything that needs concealing, who will know exactly how not to ask too many questions, yet not to refrain from questions altogether, is, in the midst of family trouble, a help and comfort unspeakable. Winifred’s mind was full to overflowing when her friend came back. She had felt that it was almost impossible to exist without speaking to some one, delivering herself of the burden that weighed upon her. It had been a relief to have Miss Farrell away at the moment of Tom’s visit, and to feel that no eye but her own had looked upon her brother’s discomfiture, but it was a relief now to meet her frank look and unhesitating question-- “Well, my dear, and how about poor Tom?” “He is gone,” Winifred said, the tears coming to her eyes. “He is to sail from Liverpool to-day.” “My dear,” said Miss Farrell, “it is very natural for you to feel it, but do you know it is the very best thing that could have happened for him? It will no doubt be the making of him. He has never had any need to rely on himself, he has always felt his father behind him. Now that he is sent into the world on his own account, it will rouse all his strength. Yes, cry, my dear, it will do you good. But I approve, for my part. Your dear father has been very wise. He has done what was the best for Tom.” “Do you think so? Perhaps if that were all--But it does not seem to have been the best thing for George, and how can we tell if it will answer with Tom?” “George, you see, has married, which brings in a new element--a great deal more comfortable for him, but still what the gentlemen call a new factor, you know, that we are not acquainted with. Besides, he is a different kind of boy. But Tom wants to be thrown on his own resources. Depend upon it, my dear, it is the very best thing for him. I should have thought that you would have seen that with your good sense.” “Oh, Miss Farrell, if that were all!” “And is there something more? Don’t tell me unless you like; but you know you take a darker view than I do.” “There is but one view to take,” Winifred said. “It makes me miserable. My father--I hope he does not intend it to be known, but I cannot tell--anyhow you must know everything. My father says he has made up his mind to cut off both the boys, and to leave everything to me.”