the invitation with pleasure, and asked a number of
questions concerning the proposed route and length of absence; while
Emily hid her agitated face behind her tea-cup; and Gertrude, who had
lately been reading _Letters from Cuba_, and was aware that Mr. Graham
knew the strong interest she felt in the place, pondered in her mind
whether it could be possible that he could be guilty of the mean desire
to vex and mortify her.

Breakfast over, Emily hastily sought her room, where she was joined by
Gertrude. In answering Emily's inquiries as to the scene which had taken
place, Gertrude forbore to repeat Mr. Graham's most bitter and wounding
remarks; for she saw from her kind friend's countenance how deeply she
participated in her own sense of wrong. She told her, however, that it
was now well understood by Mr. Graham that she was to leave, and, as his
sentiments towards her were far from kindly, she thought it best to go
at once, especially as she could never be more needed by Mrs. Sullivan
than at present. Emily saw the reasonableness of the proposal, assented
to it, and agreed to accompany her to town that afternoon; for, deeply
sensitive at any unkindness manifested towards Gertrude, she preferred
to have her depart thus abruptly, rather than encounter her father's
contemptuous neglect. The remainder of the day was spent by Gertrude in
packing and other preparations, while Emily sat by, counselling the
future conduct of her adopted darling, lamenting the necessity of their
separation, and exchanging with her reiterated assurances of
undiminished affection.

"Oh, if you could only write to me, dear Emily, during your long
absence, what a comfort it would be," exclaimed Gertrude.

"With Mrs. Ellis's assistance, my dear," replied Emily, "I will send you
such news as I can of our movements; but, though you may not be able to
hear much from me, you will be ever in my thoughts, and I shall never
forget to commend my beloved child to the protection and care of One who
will be to her a better friend than I can be."

In the course of the day Gertrude sought Mrs. Ellis, and astonished that
lady by stating that she had come to have a few farewell words with her.
Surprise, however, was soon superseded by the housekeeper's eagerness to
expatiate upon the generosity of Mr. Graham, and the delights of the
excursion in prospect. After wishing her a great deal of pleasure,
Gertrude begged to hear from her by letter during her absence;