uiries followed, and a touching story was told by Mrs. Sullivan of
Gertrude's agony of grief, and the fears she had entertained lest the
girl would die of sorrow.

"I couldn't do anything with her myself," said she. "There she sat, day
after day, last week, on her little stool, by Uncle True's easy-chair,
with her head on the cushion, and I couldn't get her to move or eat a
thing. She didn't appear to hear me when I spoke to her; and if I tried
to move her, she didn't struggle, but she seemed just like a dead weight
in my hands: and I couldn't bear to make her come away into my room,
though I knew it would change the scene, and be better for her. If it
hadn't been for Willie, I don't know what I should have done, I was
getting so worried about the poor child; but he knows how to manage her
better than I do. When he is at home we get along very well, for he
takes her right up in his arms (he's very strong, and she's as light as
a feather), and either carries her into some other room, or out in the
yard; and he contrives to cheer her wonderfully. He persuades her to
eat, and in the evenings, when he comes home from the store, takes long
walks with her. Last evening they went over Chelsea Bridge, where it was
cool and pleasant; and I suppose he diverted her attention and amused
her, for she came home brighter than I've seen her, and quite tired. I
got her to go to bed in my room, and she slept soundly all night, so
that she really looks like herself to-day. They've gone out again this
morning, and, being Sunday, and Willie at home all day, I've no doubt
he'll keep her spirits up, if anybody can."

"Willie shows very good judgment," said Emily, "in trying to change the
scene for her, and divert her thoughts. I'm thankful she has had such
kind friends. I promised Mr. Flint she should have a home with me when
he was taken away, and not knowing of his death until now, I consider it
a great favour to myself, as well as her, that you have taken such
excellent care of her. I felt sure you have been all goodness, or it
would have given me great regret that I had not heard of True's death
before."

"O, Miss Emily!" said Mrs. Sullivan, "Gertrude is so dear to us, and we
have suffered so much in seeing her suffer, that it was a kindness to
ourselves to do all we could to comfort her. Why, I think she and Willie
could not love each other better if they were own brother and sister:
and Willie and uncle True were great friends! indeed