new faces about her, and as a
matter of fact, she came as nearly caring for Nora as it was possible
for her to care for any human being. She had told the girl then that it
was her intention to make some provision for her at her death, so that
she might have a decent competence and not be obliged to look for
another position. There was, of course, the implied understanding that
she would remain with Miss Wickham until that lady was summoned to a
better and brighter world, a step which Miss Wickham, herself, was in no
immediate hurry to take. In the meantime, she knew perfectly well just
how often a prospective legacy could be dangled before expectant eyes
with perfect delicacy.

It furnished her with an additional weapon, too, against her nephew,
James Wickham, and his wife, both of whom she cordially detested,
although she fully intended leaving them the bulk of her fortune. The
consideration and tenderness she showed toward Nora when Mr. and Mrs.
Wickham ran down from London to see their dear aunt showed a latent
talent for comedy, on the part of the chief actress, of no mean order.
These occasions left Nora in a state of mind in which exasperation and
amusement were about equally blended. It was amusing to note the signs
of apprehension on the part of Miss Wickham's disagreeable relatives as
they noted their aunt's doting fondness for her hired companion. And
while she felt that they richly deserved this little punishment, it was
humiliating to be so cynically made use of.

And now it was all over. After a year of illness and gradual decline the
end had come two days before. Nothing could induce Miss Wickham to have
a professional nurse. The long strain and weeks of broken rest had told
even on Nora's strength. Kindly Dr. Evans had insisted that she be put
immediately to bed and Kate, the parlor maid, who had always been
devoted to her, had undressed her as if she had been a baby. For the
last two days she had done little but sleep the dreamless sleep of utter
exhaustion. And to-day was the day of the funeral. She was just about to
ring to find the time, when Kate's gentle knock came at the door.

"Come in. Good morning, Kate. Do tell me the time. Oh! How good it is to
be lazy once in a while."

"Good morning to you, Miss. I hope you're feeling a bit rested. It's
just gone eleven. Dr. Evans has called, Miss. He told me to see if you
had waked."

"How good of him. Ask him to wait a few moments and I'll come right