"Gretton, did you care when you left your mother to come to school?" "Yes, very much," was the scarcely audible answer. "And did you think you could ever be comforted. Not at first; but mamma was still left to me once a week." "Well, has it not turned out all for the best, that you should come?” "I think so," languidly replied the boy. “Think! you know it has, Charlie. You know what a relief it has been to your mother; and now God has seen good to send her away for a short time, will you not try and think that too is for the best." "I'll try, Mrs. Wilkinson, but it will be no use, I would not so much have minded if she had bid me good-bye." "She did, Charlie; she came to see you last night at ten o'clock. You were fast asleep, but she kissed your cheek, and prayed God to bless and watch over you until her return." “Oh! my mamma," was all he said. Two or three days had passed, each one finding the little fellow unable or unwilling to play, too restless to read. He liked best to get near Brady, and pushing his little hands into his, sit quietly watching him as he learned his lessons. He was sitting thus one afternoon when Mr. Sudbury and little Elle came to enquire after him. The good old gentleman was greatly shocked at sight of the little thin white face, with its look of resigned misery. "How was it his mother did not speak to him before she left?" he enquired of the matron after hearing all particulars. "I believe Mr. William Gretton, who had procured the situation for her, would not allow it. He said it would only unsettle the boy; whereas, if she went without seeing him, he would soon get over it. Poor creature," continued the tender-hearted matron, wiping a tear away, "poor creature, it was heart-rending to see her as she looked her last on the sleeping child." "Where has she gone?" next enquired Mr. Sudbury. "She has gone out to India with a lady who is going to join her husband there." "I have a good mind to take the boy and let him say good-bye before she starts. she sail?" "She was to sail this morning." When does "Oh!" sighed Mr. Sudbury, "then it is too late for that. Well, at any rate, I can take him home with me for a few days, the change will do him good." "Charlie," said Elle Sudbury, peeping into the face of the little mourner, "grandpa has begged holiday for you, and you are going back to play with me" "Oh! that will be pleasant," said Brady, answering for the little fellow, who did not even smile. "That will be pleasant, Charlie, won't it?" Even Charlie was fain to confess the prospect pleasing. One or two days had passed, finding Charlie much improved both in health and spirits. He was a great favourite with all Mr. Sudbury's household. Even Mrs. Royce began to find it impossible to dislike such a quiet, gentle little boy. Mr. Sudbury and Elle had of course liked him from the first. The two children had been roaming about, looking at everything, at length Elle recollected the |