r it," she moaned, and then she whispered that "Ruth, his own
dear Ruth was there, that he must not talk any more," but still he went
on in the same strain.

Poor Agnes was sorely tried. Here was Ruth breaking out in the wildest
frenzy, at times, refusing to eat or to leave the bedside; and here the
brother, far dearer to her than life, not able to look at her, nor to
say that he understood her when she did not yield to his wishes. If he
died, he could not know how great her love for him was. And then the
subtle tempter came: "If God loved His children He would not cause them
thus to suffer. _Your_ life has been harder than that of out-breaking
sinners." But while Agnes could not reason, thank God she could trust,
and reaching out her hand as a little child, she said: "Lead me in the
way that is best for me, and do not let me be afraid or discouraged."

Christmas had come and gone, but they would not have known it, had not
Guy's coat been sent home according to promise, the day before. They
had meant to hide it from Ruth, but she happened to be down stairs at
the time it came, and it was kissed and fondled as though it had been
Guy himself. Then it was laid away, no one else knew where. She forgot
that Agnes had a share in it, forgot everything but that it was Guy's,
and he her own darling brother.

Agnes had never asked the doctor any more questions since the day Guy
was taken ill. But she wrote down his directions for fear the least
thing should be overlooked, and never administered medicine, or rendered
him the slightest service, without breathing a prayer that it might lead
to his recovery. So the days passed wearily on, and the crisis drew
near.

"We must not tell them," said the doctor to Miss Smithers, on the
morning of the day. "It will only more completely unsettle Miss Ruth,
while the other poor child need have no more laid upon her. If the worst
comes, there will be strength given, and anticipated trouble is always
the hardest to bear. If you have any influence over Miss Ruth, keep her
very quiet, everything depends on that."

Miss Smithers went up to her room, and was there for a long time. When
she left it she carried with her something that made her heart strong
and her face bright. If you have ever known it you will understand; if
not, no words can give you the idea.

The day wore on and still Guy was restless. The doctor came, looked and
went away, but there was no outward change. Night closed over