since that blessed angel
of a woman, Dorothy Fraser, came to The Grange, there has been little or
nothing for me to do. Yes, that's a fact; I am worn-out with doing
nothing. I should like a cup of tea beyond anything. Make it strong for
me, my dear--strong and fragrant."

"The kettle is boiling," said Effie. "I won't be a minute. Oh, it is
delightful to have you back!" She ran out of the room, shutting the door
softly behind her.

Dr. Staunton went over and sat on the sofa by his wife.

"At last, my darling," he said, putting his arms round her, "I am safe
back again. You see that for yourself, thank God."

"Thank God, John," replied Mrs. Staunton. "I have missed you," she
repeated.

She held out both her thin hands. The doctor put his own strong, sinewy
hands round them. He clasped them tightly.

"Oh, how hot you are!" she said, starting back and looking anxiously at
him. "Your fingers almost burn me."

"I am simply tired, that's all," he replied,--"tired out with doing
nothing. I don't believe The Grange is a wholesome place; it is big and
grand and richly furnished, but the air does not suit me. I suspect
there is something wrong with the drains. The drains are probably at the
root of all this mischief to poor little Freda, but let us forget all
that now. Let me look at you, wife. How are you? Why, you look bonnie,
bonnie!"

He stretched out his hand and passed it gently over his wife's faded
cheek. "I have been thinking of you morning, noon, and night," he said.
"You have never been out of my thoughts for a moment, you and the
children--that dear little Effie in particular, but the other children
too. I had time to pause and consider during those days of waiting at
The Grange, and I could not help remembering that, if anything happened
to me, there were five children unprovided for--five children, and you,
Mary, with the strength of a mouse in you."

"That's all you know," replied Mrs. Staunton, with a little show of
spirit. "I am better; I have made wonderful progress during the last few
days. You can't think what a good nurse Effie has been--the most
considerate, the most thoughtful, the most kind and clever darling you
can possibly imagine. She manages the whole house; our servants would do
anything for her, and the children love her so much that it is a
pleasure to them to obey her. She has that wonderful and invaluable
knack in a woman, she never teases or worries; she just contrives to
turn people