present, as I said before, and it will be all right."

Mrs Lee sighed.

"It is I who have the most cause for regret," she said, sadly; "but it
is vain to speak of it. You could never, _never_ know."

Christie went about the house all day very quietly, but no less busily
than usual. Her thoughts were by no means pleasant, however.

"It was my vanity that made me think I was of use to her and that she
cared for me," she said to herself, bitterly. "And now I must go home,
when I was growing content to stay. If I had only taken John's advice,
and gone with him! Well, I suppose I was too full of my own plans, and
this is the way I am to be taught wisdom and humility. I will try to be
content. But it will not be very easy, I am afraid."

Mrs Lee was out a good deal during the day, so that she scarcely saw
her till the children had gone to bed. Then she came into the nursery
to make some last arrangement of little garments; and in spite of
herself, Christie trembled to find herself left alone with her.

"I _must_ speak to her," she said. "Oh, if I only need not! If I could
just say good-bye, and nothing more!"

Mrs Lee sat lost in thought, not seeming to heed her, and Christie
stitched away as though there were nothing in the world more important
than that little Ned's buttons should be sewed on firmly. They were
finished at last, and the little garment laid with the rest. Instead of
coming to her seat again, she stood a little behind Mrs Lee, and said,
in a low voice:

"Is it to-morrow, ma'am?"

"Yes; we leave to-morrow, early in the day," said Mrs Lee.

By a great effort, Christie said, hurriedly:

"About my things, ma'am--my frock and hat? I am afraid I have not
enough to pay for them and take me home."

She had not time to say more. Suddenly turning, Mrs Lee laid her hand
on her arm.

"Hush, Christie! It is not a matter of wages between you and me
to-night. Money could not pay what I owe to you. We'll speak of that
by and by. Sit down, now, my poor, weary child."

She placed herself on a low stool at a little distance, and let her head
fall on her hand.

"Are you thinking to go home?" asked Mrs Lee.

"I don't know. I suppose so. I have nowhere else to go." Christie's
voice was husky, but she was able to command it.

"And did you think I would leave you with nowhere to go?" asked Mrs
Lee, gravely. "But would it not be best to go? You are not strong,
Christie."

"Perhaps it woul