ened with a sick heart to her mutterings. She knew that her
mother could not possibly get better if she refused to eat.

She was wondering what to do, and how she could dare to leave her, when
a quick step was heard running up the stairs, and the next moment Fred
Lawson came in.

Effie never to her dying day forgot the feeling of relief, of almost
joy, which ran through her heart when she saw his clever, resolute face.
He came in, in his usual quick, brisk, determined way--stopped short a
little when he saw her, and then glanced significantly at her mother.

Mrs. Staunton had turned as eagerly as Effie when she heard the quick
footsteps. Now her face was an absolute blank--she had come a step
forward,--her hands suddenly fell to her sides.

"My mother is not well," said Effie. "She's upset."

"No, I'm not upset; you're greatly mistaken," said Mrs. Staunton. "Why
should I be upset? There's not a happier woman in Christendom than I am.
It's true my beloved husband has left me, but then I have got my
boy--there never was a braver boy. How do you do, Mr. Lawson? Pray
forgive me for not shaking hands with you when you came into the
room--the fact is, I have been expecting George. His dinner is in the
fender. The landlady did very wrong indeed to send it up before I rang
for it. I always ring twice for George's dinner, don't you understand?
It is a good plan. George likes his meals hot and tasty. No wonder--he
earns them; he is a dear, good, _clever_ fellow--he is getting a fine
salary. Did you happen to meet him on the stairs? Perhaps you passed
him--he is a little late, just a little late. Effie, can you tell me if
Mr. Lawson has good sight? If he has, perhaps he'll come and watch by
the window. I'm watching, but my eyes are a little weak at times. I
might not see George when he is really there. Will you come and see, Mr.
Lawson? He ought to be coming now, my dear boy,--my dearest,--my boy!"

Lawson gave Effie a glance. In a moment he read the true position. The
poor weak brain had suddenly given way. He went up gently to Mrs.
Staunton, and took one of her hot hands in his.

"When George comes in," he said, "I'll be here, and I'll tell him about
his dinner. I know he'll be late to-night, and you mustn't wait up for
him any longer. Come, Miss Effie will put you into bed. When you are in
bed I'll give you something to make you sleep. Come now, don't delay;
you're quite worn out. If you don't go to bed you'll be ill, and