Gurney had reason to be
thankful that Dexie was one of the party, otherwise it would have been
impossible to have started Elsie on her journey without seeming to be
harsh. As it was, Elsie clung to each of the family in turn, as if her
journey were to extend to the Cape of Good Hope, and the length of her stay
to be indefinite. She was lifted into the carriage at last, her hat pulled
back on her head, and her disordered apparel otherwise smoothed out by
Dexie, and Hugh was bidden by Mr. Gurney to "drive on quickly," amidst the
shrill choruses of "good-byes" from the little ones of the family who had
gathered on the steps to see them off. Seeing that Elsie still kept looking
back and waving her handkerchief in token of farewell, Mrs. Gurney drew the
children into the house, and then went away to her own room, where, for a
short time, she remained. When she appeared among them again, her face had
regained its usual calm and placid expression. She had left her burden with
the Great Burden-bearer, and though her heart would go after her daughter
in loving solicitude, she felt that Elsie was in safe-keeping, and so could
rest content.
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