step grew heavier, till at last she was too weak to walk, or even rise
from her bed.

"All this comes of having that sad woman here," exclaimed the weeping
mother as she bent over her daughter. "I'll have her sent from the
house this day." And she rang for a servant to send Sorrow away.

After delivering her message to her maid, she felt somewhat relieved.

The servant went in search of Sorrow, but could not find her either in
the house, garden, on the lawn, or among the dark pines where she often
walked.

Whither had she fled?

All the servants of the house were summoned to the search; but Sorrow
was not to be found, and they reported to the mistress their failure
to find her.

"No matter," she replied, "so long as she is no longer among us. Go
to your labors now, keep the house very quiet, and be sure, before dark,
to lock all the doors, that she may not enter unperceived."

They need not have bolted nor barred her out; for her work was done,
and she had no cause to return.

She was sent to the house of wealth to carry the blight of death. Her
mission was over, and she was on her way, seeking Joy.

The young girl faded slowly and died.