e along just then, and now little boy
you had better go to bed."

Jack was very glad nothing had been asked him about Marilla. He was
tired and drowsy. But Aunt Florence said, "Jack I think you were a
very bad boy."

Dr. Baker came in and took another look at Marilla whose pulse was
still very fluttering.

"What do you suppose it is?" asked Mrs. Borden, anxiously.

"The child has a weak heart. Perhaps no organic disease at present,
and if she gets through the next two or three years safely all may go
well with her. But she ought not have any severe strain. Do you know
anything about her family?"

"She hasn't any, I took her from that Bethany Home. She's a nice,
willing, pleasant girl and a splendid hand with babies. But she was
with Miss Armitage all through that awful time we had with the
children teething, and the babies _are_ good. I resolved I'd never
make children so troublesome as Jack was, waiting on them hand and
foot. I've had a different system with them."

"The system seems to have worked well, but I think you need a stronger
nursemaid."

"I've never let her lift them, I knew it was not safe for them,"
laughing. "Though think how poor children carry babies about; but now
tell me about Aunt Hetty."

"I think it is the beginning of the end. You can't quite tell, but
she's pretty well worn out with the years, and she must have a steady
nurse. A hospital would be best."

"Yes, we will talk that over."

"Have you any one for tonight?"

"No. Is it as bad as that?" and Mrs. Borden turned pale.

"I should advise an emergency nurse for a week or so; by that time you
can make some plans."

Mrs. Vanderveer was comfortable, but she did not want to be left
alone.

"Oh, isn't it dreadful, Florence, that this should happen just now. If
it only could have waited until Christmas," Mrs. Borden said with
tears in her eyes. "I meant you should have such a happy wedding.
You've always been like an own sister to me."

"Well, we won't worry tonight. Only--"

Miss Armitage came in and heard the story through.

"Let me telephone at once to the nurses' home, then you will feel
relieved. And perhaps it would be a good thing to send Marilla to me
for a little while again."

"I cannot do without a nurse girl."

"But a week or two may restore Marilla."

The nurse came, a wholesome middle aged body who had been for weeks
with a helpless paralytic. And so the midnight found them all
comfortable. Marilla was left