Maggie looked up bright and steadfast, as if she saw something beyond the material present. Here was the opportunity for self-sacrifice of which Mrs. Buxton had spoken to her in her childish days--the time which comes to all, but comes unheeded and unseen to those whose eyes are not trained to watching.
"Mother! could you do without me for a time? If you could, and it would make you easier, and help Edward to"--The word on her lips died away; for it seemed to imply a reproach on one who stood in his shame among them all.
"You would go!" said Mrs. Browne, catching at the unfinished sentence. "Oh! Maggie, that's the best thing you've ever said or done since you were born. Edward, would not you like to have Maggie with you?"
"Yes," said he, "well enough. It would be far better for me than going all alone; though I dare say I could make my way pretty well after a time. If she went, she might stay till I felt settled, and had made some friends, and then she could come back."
Mr. Buxton was astonished at first by this proposal of Maggie's. He could not all at once understand the difference between what she now offered to do, and what he had urged upon her only this very morning. But as he thought about it, he perceived that what was her own she was willing to sacrifice; but that Frank's heart, once given into her faithful keeping, she was answerable for it to him and to God. This light came down upon him slowly; but when he understood, he admired with almost a wondering admiration. That little timid girl brave enough to cross the ocean and go to a foreign land, if she could only help to save her brother!
"I'm sure Maggie," said he, turning towards her, "you are a good, thoughtful little creature. It may be the saving of Edward--I believe it will. I think God will bless you for being so devoted."
"The expense will be doubled," said Edward.
"My dear boy! never mind the money. I can get it advanced upon this cottage."
"As for that, I'll advance it," said Mr. Buxton.
"Could we not," said Maggie, hesitating from her want of knowledge, "make over the furniture--papa's books, and what little plate we have, to Mr. Buxton--something like pawning them--if he would advance the requisite money? He, strange as it may seem, is the only person you can ask in this great strait."