any one, Agnes; no stranger could take care of Guy,
as well as we," said Ruth, beseechingly.

"But, Ruth, if anything should happen, if Guy should grow worse, we
would blame ourselves for not doing all the doctor told us."

"Very well, then. You know best, Agnes. I can't think to-day."

Without saying more, Agnes went down stairs, and told Martha to see if
Miss Smithers was at home, and if so to tell her to come right away, but
not to sew. "Then leave this note with one of the school children," she
added.

She met Ruth's scholars as they came, and sent them away quietly,
telling them when Miss Ruth was ready she would send them word, and then
she tried to take her breakfast. "I must be strong," she said, and tried
to eat, but she could not swallow. There was Guy's place, but he was not
there. "Will he ever be again!" The question came, but she drove it
away. He was in God's hands and so was she. She could take nothing
back, but rest in the thought of His fatherly love and compassion.

Miss Smithers came, and Agnes was not mistaken in her. She was ready
for every emergency, and never failed to give the right comfort, at the
right time. Even Ruth grew to depend upon her, and to miss her kind face
when she was compelled to leave them, and seek rest. Agnes had not
thought of asking her to give up her work, only to have her stay with
them at night. But Miss Smithers did not mean to leave either day or
night, until Guy was out of danger, and Agnes gladly yielded the point.

When the sorrow through which the sisters was passing, became known,
they had the fullest sympathy of friends. Miss Smithers received all who
called, and thus saved them from many painful interviews. For at such
times when there are many hearts to feel for us, and to offer the most
delicate expressions of sympathy, there are always coarse natures who
know no other manner of showing their sympathy than by opening up our
wounds and making us bleed afresh.

"How many friends we have, Agnes. I did not know so many cared for us.
If Guy recovers we shall be very happy," said Ruth, as Miss Smithers
told them of the many who had called.

Guy lay still unconscious, while the fever leaped through his veins, and
almost purpled his fair face. Now he was at his books, then again he was
pleading; but all the time there was this thought: "I can't rob Ruth, I
can't take her money."

"O, if he would not talk so; if he would say anything else but that, I
could bea