t been here.'

'Where's his letter?--I forgot all about it. Is there none from
Theodora?'

'No; I suppose she waited for further accounts.'

Arthur began reading his father's letter. 'Very kind! a very kind letter
indeed,' said he, warmly. '"Earned so high a place in our regard--her
sweetness and engaging qualities,"--I must keep that to show her. This
is very kind too about what it must be to me. I did not think he had
appreciated her so well!'

'Yes, indeed, he did,' said John. 'This is what he says to me. "Never
have I seen one more gentle and engaging, and I feel sure she would have
gained more on our affections every day, and proved herself a treasure
to the family."'

'That is right,' said Arthur. 'He will get to know her well when they
come to London! I'll write to him to-morrow, and thank him, and say, no
need for him to come now! "Hopes his grandson will live to be a comfort
to me!"' and Arthur could not help laughing.

'Well, I am not come to that yet!'

'He is much pleased at its being a son,' said John.

'Poor little mortal!' said Arthur, 'if he means to be a comfort I wish
he would stop that dismal little wail--have one good squall and have
done with it. He will worry his mother and ruin all now she takes more
notice. So here's Mrs. Moss's letter. I could not open it this morning,
and I have been inventing messages to Violet from her--poor woman! I
have some good news for her now. It is all about coming, but Violet says
she does not want her. I can't read it all, my eyes are so weak! Violet
said they were bloodshot,' and he began to examine them in the glass.

'Yes, you are not equal to much more nursing; you are quite done for.'

'I am!' said Arthur, stretching. 'I'm off to bed, as she begged me; but
the worst is over now! We shall do very well when Theodora comes; and
if she has a taste for the boy, she and Violet will make friends over
him,--good night.'

With a long yawn, Arthur very stiffly walked up-stairs, where Sarah
stood at the top waiting for him. 'Mrs. Martindale is asleep, sir;
you had best not go in,' said she. 'I have made up a bed in your
dressing-room, and you'd best not be lying down in your clothes, but
take a good sleep right out, or you'll be fit for nothing next. I'll see
and call if she wants you.'

'Thank you, Sarah; I wonder how long you have been up; you will be fit
for nothing next.'

'It don't hurt me,' said Sarah, in disdain; and as Arthur shut his
door, she mur