rely our Father knows what is best for
His poor child."

"And you are not unhappy?"

"Only a little sad and tired, but that will pass, it is passing now,"
and the old lovely smile came to her lips. "Don't you recollect what
Keble says,--

"''Tis sweet as year by year we lose
Friends out of sight, in faith to muse
How grows in Paradise our store.'

"What are a few more years of loneliness when Fergus and I have
eternity to spend together. There, I hear Marcus's knock; he will
scold me for making you look sad."

But Aunt Madge was wrong, for once in his life Marcus was too
preoccupied to notice the signs of agitation on his wife's face.

"What do you think, dear people," he said, brightly, when he had
greeted the invalid. "Dr. Bevan and I have settled matters; he will
have the deed of partnership drawn up at once. Nothing can be fairer
or more liberal than his terms. I told him I had only half-a-dozen
paying patients at present, but he said that I should soon have more.
We have turned the corner, Livy, and my wife shall walk in silk attire
yet," and Marcus flung back his head with a gesture of pride and
importance.

"My dear laddie, I congratulate you with all my heart," returned Aunt
Madge, affectionately, as she grasped his hands. "Livy looks quite
dazed, and no wonder," and then a warm flush came to Olivia's cheek.

"Dear Marcus, I am so glad, so thankful," she whispered.

"Yes, but it will be uphill work at first," he returned, "and I shall
have plenty to do. Bevan is not the man he was, Randolph does not seem
satisfied about him; but he will pick up when the warm weather comes.
Oh, by-the-bye, Livy, I have not told you half yet. Bevan insists on
our moving at once; he wants me to take a good house, either in
Brunswick Place or Montague Square, or one of those roads leading out
of it; it is well that we have that nest egg, the five hundred pounds
untouched, it will pay for the necessary furniture, and the first
year's rent will be assured."

"Yes, indeed," returned Olivia, in a low voice; she was awed and
overwhelmed by this unexpected good fortune; but Marcus would not allow
any more talking; his professional eyes had already noted the signs of
weariness and exhaustion in the invalid.

"We must go now," he said, abruptly. "We will talk over details
another time; it is no use giving Aunt Madge a bad night," and then
Olivia rose reluctantly and put on her wraps.

"I shall come to-morro