. It took nerve and strength to care for him; unceasing
vigilance and ingenuity were required in circumventing his erratic
movements.

And through it all there was something about his clean, honest mind and
person that stirred only affectionate pity. He was a child, taking a
child's liberties. Mrs. Stoddard brooded over him already, as a mother
over her dearest son; Mr. Hand had turned gentle as a woman and gave
the service of love, not of the eye. His skill in managing almost
rivaled Mrs. Stoddard's. James accepted Hand's ministrations as a
matter of course, became more docile under his treatment, and watched
for him when he disappeared. Indeed, the whole household was taxed for
James; and Agatha, deeply distressed as she was, throbbed with
gratitude that she could help care for him, if only for an hour.

Thus it was that the two women, eating their supper and looking out
over Hercules Thayer's pleasant garden, were silent. Mrs. Stoddard was
thinking about the duties of the night, Agatha was swallowed up in the
miseries of the last hour. Mrs. Stoddard was the first to rise. She
was tipping off on her fingers a number of items which Agatha did not
catch, saying "Hm!" and "Yes!" to herself. Despite her deep anxiety,
Mrs. Stoddard was in her element. She had nothing less than genius in
nursing. She was cheerful, quick in emergencies, steady under the
excitements of the sick-room, and faithful in small, as well as large,
matters. Moreover, she excelled most doctors in her ability to
interpret changes and symptoms, and in her ingenuity in dealing with
them. Her two days with James had given her an understanding of the
case, and she was ready with new devices for his relief.

Agatha finished her tea and joined Mrs. Stoddard as she stood looking
out into the twilight, seeing things not visible to the outward eye.

"Yes, that's it," she ended abruptly, thinking aloud; then including
Agatha without any change of tone, she went on: "I think we'd better
change our plans a little. I'm going up-stairs now to stay while your
Mr. Hand goes over to the house for me. There are several things I
want from home."

Agatha had no conception of having an opinion that was contrary to Mrs.
Stoddard's, so completely was she won by her tower-like strength.

"You know, Mrs. Stoddard," she said earnestly, "that I want to be told
at once, if--if there is any change."

"I know, child," the older woman replied, with a faraway l