human
Do you think she was glad to go?
gpt
Yes; I think she was very glad to go; but at first it grieved her sorely to think of leaving us behind. I almost think she would have gone sooner but for that. After Aunt Janet came, it was different. After that she seemed willing to go at any time.
human
It is a pity that she didn't know, before she went away, how we should come here, and what a bonny place it is. Lily, do you think she sees us now?
gpt
I don't know. She may. Anyway, after that night she was willing to leave us. Indeed, she told me the night she died that she didn't fear for us.
human
Yes, this is a bonny place, and we have been very happy here; but there is one thing I am grieved for. You know, Archie, Aunt Janet is poor, and I fear in this place I shall not be able to find anything to do to help her. I fear I can't bide here long.
gpt
But where would you go?
human
Oh, I don't know yet. Only I think it's not right to burden Aunt Janet more than can be helped. I heard Mrs Stirling say that Mrs Graham, at the manse, wanted some one to sew and help among the children; and maybe I would do for her.
gpt
Oh, Lily, surely you wouldn't go away. What should I ever do without you?
human
Whisht, Archie, said his sister, soothingly;
gpt
Are you weary of me, Lilias, that you wish to leave me so soon?
human
Oh, aunt, you cannot think that. If it were only not wrong for me to bide here always!
gpt
And why do you not think it right to bide here always?
human
Because I am young and strong, and I ought to be working for you, rather than that you should be doing so much for me.
gpt
But you have been working for me. You have helped me greatly since you came here.
human
Yes, a little, perhaps, said Lilias, thoughtfully.
gpt
But that's not what I mean. Are you not very poor now, Aunt Janet?
human
Well, I cannot say that I am very rich, said her aunt, smiling.
gpt
But I'm not so poor but that I can shelter my brother's orphan bairns for a while at least. And then she added, gravely,
human
I have no doubt but you could make yourself very useful, and I dare say Mrs Graham would like to have you there; but there are many reasons why such a thing is not to be thought of.
gpt
Will you tell me some of them, aunt?
human
You have no need to go, my child; and, even if you had, you are not strong enough. You are by no means fit for the work you would have to do there; though you could have no better place than the manse. No, no, my lassie, you must bide here among the hills, and gather health and strength for the struggles that life must bring to you as well as to others. All you could gain would but ill repay you for the loss of health; and you are not very strong, dear.
gpt
But I am stronger than one would think to see me; and I'll be getting stronger, living in a country place. I think I might be strong enough for Mrs Graham.
human
But, even if you were strong enough, for all our sakes, it is not to be thought of that you should go now. Archie would pine without you. And unless you are weary of this quiet place, and wish for a change, you must put away all thought of leaving us, for a time at least.
gpt
Weary! Oh, no, aunt. And I know Archie would miss me; but he could spare me; and I could go if it was right. I can do a great many things, and I would try to learn.
human
Yes, you can do a great many things; and that is one reason why I can't spare you, Lily. I think I have the best right to my brother's daughter.
gpt
Oh, aunt, exclaimed Lilias eagerly,
human
You can be useful to me. You are a comfort to me. I hardly know how I could part from you now, dear. Our way of living must be very humble; but that will not be so bad as being parted--will it, my Lily? You have learnt to love me a little, my child?
gpt
You mind me of my father.
human
And you mind me of the brother I loved and watched over as a child, and honoured as a man. If it is God's will, we will not be parted, my beloved child.