lare nothing has done her so much good; she had him
brought, and was so happy over him, then went off to sleep again.'

'This is a great relief,' said John. 'From your manner, I dreaded to ask
for him, but I hope he may be doing well.'

'I am sure I hope so, or it would be all over with her. I believe both
their lives hang on one thread. To see her with him this morning--I did
not know such fondness was in women. I declare I never saw anything like
it; and she so weak! And such a creature as it is; the smallest thing
that ever was born, they say, and looking--like nothing on earth but
young mice.'

John could not help smiling: 'That is better than yesterday, when I
could scarcely believe he was alive.'

'What! did you see him?'

'When he was baptized.'

'Was he? What did you call him?'

'You sent word to name him John.'

'Did I? I had not the least recollection of it. I forgot all about him
till he made himself heard this morning, and she wanted to know whether
he was boy or girl.'

'A son and heir,' said John, glad to see the young father able to look
gratified.

'Well, it is the best name; I hope she will like it. But, hollo,
John, where did you drop from?' as it suddenly occurred to him to be
surprised.

'I came home on some business of Fotheringham's. I landed early
yesterday, and came up from Southampton.'

'A fine state of things to come to,' sighed Arthur. 'But you will not go
away?'

'Certainly not till she is better.'

'Ah! you were always fond of her; you appreciated her from the first.
There is no one whom I should have liked so well to have here.' Then,
with a pause, he added, in a tone of deep feeling: 'John, you might well
give me that warning about making her happy; but, indeed, I meant to do
so!' and his eyes filled with tears.

'As far as affection could go, you have done so,' said John, 'or you
could not have recalled her to life now.'

'You little know,' said Arthur sadly; 'Heaven knows it was not want of
affection; but I never guessed what she underwent. Sarah tells me she
spent hours in tears, though she would never allow them to be noticed.'

'Poor Violet! But what could be her trouble?'

'Her household affairs seem to have overpowered her, and I never would
attend to them; little thinking how she let them prey upon her. I
never thought of her being lonely; and her sweet, bright face, and
uncomplaining ways, never reminded me. There never was any one like her;
she was too g