much, that it gave one rather a revulsion of feeling to hear her
laughing.'

'I am very glad she could laugh.'

'Well, but don't you think, Percy, that innocently, perhaps, she
magnified a little alarm?'

'You would not speak of little alarms if you had seen Harding this
morning. I met him just coming away after a fearful night. The child
was in the utmost danger, but his mother's calmness and presence of mind
never failed. But I'll say no more, for the sound wholesome atmosphere
of this house must cure you of your prejudices.'

Arthur came down dispirited; and Percy, who had thought him an
indifferent father, was pleased with him, and set himself to cheer his
spirits, seconded by Theodora, who was really penitent.

She could not be at peace with herself till she had made some amends;
and when she had wished her brother good night, found her way to the
nursery, where her old friend Sarah sat, keeping solemn watch over the
little cot by the fire. One of her sepulchral whispers assured the aunt
that he was doing nicely, but the thin white little face, and spare hand
and arm, grieved Theodora's heart, and with no incredulity she listened
to Sarah's description of the poor little fellow's troubles and sweet
unconscious patience, and that perfect trust in his mother that always
soothed and quieted him. It appeared that many nights had been spent
in broken rest, and for the last two neither mother nor nurse had
undressed. Sarah was extremely concerned for her mistress, who, she
said, was far from strong, and she feared would be made as ill as she
was last year, and if so, nothing could save her. This made Theodora
feel as if she had been positively cruel, and she was the more bent on
reparation. She told Sarah she must be over-tired, and was told, as if
it was a satisfactory answer, that Mrs. Martindale had wished her to go
to bed at six this morning. However, her eyes looked extinguished, and
Theodora, by the fascinating manner she often exercised with inferiors,
at last persuaded her to lie down in her clothes, and leave her to keep
watch.

It was comfortable to hear the deep breathings of the weary servant,
and to sit by that little cot, sensible of being for once of substantial
use, and meaning that no one ever should know it. But she was again
disconcerted; for the stairs creaked, the door was softly opened, and
Arthur stood on the threshold. The colour mantled into her face, as if
she had been doing wrong.

'T