It was indeed a hard, hard trial to them both; yet neither uttered one angry or complaining word against Mr.
Dinsmore.
Fanny, one of the maids, brought up Elsie's dinner, but she could not eat.

Chloe's appetite, too, had failed entirely; so they remained locked in each other's embrace until Jim came to the door to tell Chloe the carriage was waiting which was to convey her to her new home.
Once more she strained her nursling to her breast, sobbing out the words: "Good-by, darlin'! de good Lord bless an' keep you forebber an' ebber, an' nebber leave you alone." "Oh, mammy, mammy, don't leave me!" almost shrieked the child, clinging to her with a convulsive grasp.
"Don't now, darlin'! don't go for to break dis ole heart! You knows I _must_ go," said Chloe, gently disengaging herself.

"We'll ask de Lord to bring us together again soon, dear chile, an' I think he will 'fore long," she whispered in Elsie's ear; and with another fond caress she left her all drowned in tears, and half fainting with grief.
An hour might have passed--it seemed longer than that to Elsie--when the door opened, and she started up from the sofa, where she had flung herself in the first abandonment of her sorrow.

But it was only Fanny, come to tell her that Jim had brought her horse to the door, and to prepare her for her ride.
She quietly submitted to being dressed; but, ah! how strange it seemed to have any other than Chloe's hands busy about her! It swelled her young heart wellnigh to bursting, though Fanny, who evidently understood her business well, was very kind and attentive, and full of unobtrusive sympathy and love for her young charge.
The brisk ride in the fresh air did Elsie good, and she returned quite calm and composed, though still very sad.
Fanny was in waiting to arrange her dress again, and when that was done, went down to bring up her supper.

It was more tempting than usual, but Elsie turned from it with loathing.
"Do, Miss Elsie, _please_ do try to eat a little," urged Fanny, with tears in her eyes.