“Don’t think me ungrateful. I have been very happy here, and never shall forget how motherly kind you have been to me. You will believe this and love me still, though I go away and leave you for a little while?” prayed Christie, with a face full of treacherous emotion. Mrs. Sterling laid her hand on Christie’s head, as she knelt down impulsively before her, and with a soft solemnity that made the words both an assurance and a blessing, she said: “I believe and love and honor thee, my child. My heart warmed to thee from the first: it has taken thee to itself now; and nothing can ever come between us, unless thee wills it. Remember that, and go in peace with an old friend’s thanks, and good wishes in return for faithful service, which no money can repay.” Christie laid her cheek against that wrinkled one, and, for a moment, was held close to that peaceful old heart which felt so tenderly for her, yet never wounded her by a word of pity. Infinitely comforting was that little instant of time, when the venerable woman consoled the young one with a touch, and strengthened her by the mute eloquence of sympathy. This made the hardest task of all easier to perform; and, when David met her in the evening, Christie was ready to play out her part, feeling that Mrs. Sterling would help her, if need be. But David took it very quietly; at least, he showed no very poignant regret at her departure, though he lamented it, and hoped it would not be a very long absence. This wounded Christie terribly; for all of a sudden a barrier seemed to rise between them, and the old friendliness grew chilled. “He thinks I am ungrateful, and is offended,” she said to herself. “Well, I can bear coldness better than kindness now, and it will make it easier to go.” Kitty was pleased at the prospect of reigning alone, and did not disguise her satisfaction; so Christie’s last day was any thing but pleasant. Mr. Power would send for her on the morrow, and she busied herself in packing her own possessions, setting every thing in order, and making various little arrangements for Mrs. Sterling’s comfort, as Kitty was a heedless creature; willing enough, but very forgetful. In the evening some neighbors came in; so that dangerous time was safely passed, and Christie escaped to her own room with her usual quiet good-night all round. “We won’t have any sentimental demonstrations; no wailing, or tender adieux. If I’m weak enough to break my heart, no one need know it,—least of all, that little fool,” thought Christie, grimly, as she burnt up several long-cherished relics of her love.