Mrs.Costello was to leave a certain sum in Mrs.
Morton's hands, to be paid monthly to Mrs.Clarkson for the benefit of her children; and, this being settled, the little party had time to turn their thoughts to subjects of more personal interest.

They would not meet again until the Costellos returned from Moose Island, which would probably not be for a week at least.

The messenger who had carried to Mr.Strafford the news of Christian's death had returned, and brought a letter which only confirmed Mrs.Costello's plans--she and Lucia were to be, for as long a time as they could spare, the guests of their old friend, and Christian was to be laid in the burial ground where so many of his own people already slept.
At last the two sisters left the Cottage, and once more Mrs.Costello and Lucia remained alone in the familiar room.

How much seemed to have happened since they were last alone here! and, through great suffering, how much good seemed to have been wrought! The little home seemed pleasanter than ever, and for a moment Mrs.Costello asked herself if it was really necessary that they should leave it?
But clearly, if not _necessary_, it was best.

It was best, probably, that Lucia and Maurice should not meet again, and certainly that Lucia should be placed within reach of her future guardians.