I will go next week." And the following days were occupied with arrangements for her departure and Nance's comfort during her absence.
On one of these latter days Mr.Francis came in.
"I am glad you have come to-day," said Valmai, holding out her hand.
"I wanted to thank you before I left for all your kindness to me, and to ask you to continue to see Nance sometimes." "Are you going to leave us, then ?" said the young man, in a disappointed tone.
He had felt deeply interested in the girl who bore her desertion and sorrow with such patience, and had unconsciously been looking forward to a continuance of the friendship begun between them.
"You are not going away for long, I hope ?" "Yes, for long; possibly for ever, except for a hasty visit to Nance sometimes I shall trust her to you, Mr.Francis, and I hope you will be as kind to her as you have been to me." "Certainly I will; but do not talk of kindness.

It has been a great privilege to me, and a pleasure to know you, and I hope in the future if I can be of any service to you, you will let me know." Valmai took out her purse nervously, she hesitated to speak of remuneration to this kind friend.
"You are not going to wound me," he said, gently laying his hand on her purse, "by offering to pay me ?" "No, no," said Valmai; "only for the future, for your care of Nance." "There will be nothing much to do for her, I think; just a call in passing and a few cheering words, and _they_ don't cost much." And he rose to go.
"Good-bye, then," said Valmai.

"I shall never forget your kindness." "Good-bye," said Mr.Francis, holding her hand for a moment.

He seemed about to say something more, but changed his mind, and abruptly left the house.
The next day was Valmai's last in Nance's cottage.

She rose early, and, after her simple breakfast, put on her white hat, and, kissing the old woman tenderly, said: "I am going out for a few hours; there are one or two people I want to see--Peggi Bullet, and Shon, the sexton.