It was some satisfaction to be able to see that everything possible was done for the comfort of his darling, though it was bitterness itself to think of her going away under the escort of Lancy Gurney.

When he re-entered the house, his unusual pallor was quickly noticed by Mrs. Gurney, and she kindly asked: 

“Are you very tired, Hugh?”

Without lifting his eyes, he replied: 

“No, not tired, but heart-sick.”

“What is it, Hugh?  What is the trouble?” she asked, in her kind, motherly tone.

“Do not ask me, please! it is nothing that can be remedied, believe me,” and he raised his eyes a moment and met her inquiring gaze.

“Well, my boy, you, like the rest of us, I suppose, have just so much pain and trouble to bear in this world.  Do not let it bear too heavily on your young heart; all is for the best in the end, you know,” and her hand was laid on his shoulder with a sympathetic pressure, as she passed on.

All for the best! when in all the hasty preparations that are of necessity left till the last few hours before a journey, no one even thought of the fierce heart-struggle that was his, or would have cared about it had they known it!  There seemed to be no kind word of remembrance for him, amidst the bustle and confusion that reigned around him.  He felt as if he stood apart from those who, up to this time, seemed as near to him as kith and kin.

CHAPTER XIX.

Both families were early astir the next morning, but the hour soon arrived that the last “good-byes” must be said, and Mrs. Gurney had reason to be thankful that Dexie was one of the party, otherwise it would have been impossible to have started Elsie on her journey without seeming to be harsh.  As it was, Elsie clung to each of the family in turn, as if her journey were to extend to the Cape of Good Hope, and the length of her stay to be indefinite.  She was lifted into the carriage at last, her hat pulled back on her head, and her disordered apparel otherwise smoothed out by Dexie, and Hugh was bidden by Mr. Gurney to “drive on quickly,” amidst the shrill choruses of “good-byes” from the little ones of the family who had gathered on the steps to see them off.  Seeing that Elsie still kept looking back and waving her handkerchief in token of farewell, Mrs. Gurney drew the children into the house, and then went away to her own room, where, for a short time, she remained.  When she appeared among them again, her face had regained its usual calm and placid expression.  She had left her burden with the Great Burden-bearer, and though her heart would go after her daughter in loving solicitude, she felt that Elsie was in safe-keeping, and so could rest content.

During the drive to the depot, Dexie was all life and animation.  She plied Lancy with questions which she gave little chance to answer, until she succeeded in getting Elsie’s attention turned to outward things, and as they drove rapidly along the road, they began to speculate whether any of the occupants of the cabs that were going in the same direction were to be fellow-travellers.