My
blessing be upon you, my children! God's blessing be upon you! Fare you
well."
In the bustle of getting Mr. Channing to the fly, Arthur was left alone
with his mother. She clung to him, sobbing much. Even her faith in him
was shaken. When the rupture occurred between Mr. Yorke and Constance,
Arthur never spoke up to say: "There is no cause for parting; I am not
guilty." Mrs. Channing was not the only one who had expected him to say
this, or something equivalent to it; and she found her expectation
vain. Arthur had maintained a studied silence; of course it could only
tell against him.
"Mother! my darling mother! I would ask you to trust me still, but that
I see how difficult it is for you!" he said, as hot tears were wrung
from his aching heart.
Hamish came in. Arthur, not caring to exhibit his emotion for every
one's benefit, retired to a distant window. "My father is in, all
comfortable," said Hamish. "Mother, are you sure you have everything?"
"Everything, I believe."
"Well--put this into your private purse, mother mine. You'll find some
use for it."
It was a ten-pound note. Mrs. Channing began protesting that she should
have enough without it.
"Mrs. Channing, I know your 'enoughs,'" laughed Hamish, in his very
gayest and lightest tone. "You'll be for going without dinner every
other day, fearing that funds won't last. If you don't take it, I shall
send it after you to-morrow.
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