Then, sitting down on the side of the bed, with her
beautiful brown hair waving loose about her shoulders, she took
her sister's hand in hers.
"Jessie dear," she said gently; "listen to me, please. You and I
mustn't give up so and cry about this; we must be brave and
cheerful for mamma's sake. Poor mamma is out there all alone, and
we must go to her and help her to bear it all. We are stronger
than she is, and we have each other, so we must help each other
and help her. We've had a great many good times already, and
nothing can take those away; but now comes the chance to show what
we are, and whether we have any courage. There will be a great
deal to do when we get home, so we have no right to give up and
make ourselves ill with crying. Now we must go to bed and try to
sleep, so we can be ready for to-morrow; and--Oh, Jessie, if we
only knew where papa was to-night! He was always so good and kind
that I know he has never done anything wicked."
Katharine's head went down on the pillow beside Jessie's, and the
two daughters sobbed together over their father's guilt.
They were all at the station to see them off the next night. The
sun was just setting as the train moved away, and the little group
of three on the rear platform looked back to see its golden light
fall upon the friends they were leaving: the girls, Alan, Dr.
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