of tears. "Mamma has a letter
from Butte, and Archie is in the hospital there, with typhoid fever."

"Hope! Not really?"

"Do they think he'll die?" Billy asked anxiously, with boyish bluntness.

Hope's tears began to fall on the letter in her hand.

"They say he's very ill, and that they felt it was best to write. Papa
says typhoid is always uncertain, and he wants mamma to start West,
to-night."

"Will she go?"

"I don't know yet. She's half wild, for Archie is her only brother, and
she loves him so."

"Don't we all?" Theodora questioned impulsively.

Even in the midst of her tears, Hope blushed scarlet.

"Not in the same way, Teddy," she said gently. "You know they were all
alone with each other for so long. I hope she will go."

"It would be better if I weren't here," Billy said thoughtfully.

"No; you're like one of us, Billy, and it's easier, with you here to be
sorry for us," Hope said gratefully, for she had been quick to realize
the sympathy in his look and tone. "Besides, it may not be so bad.
Mamma, if she goes, may find him better and able to come home with her."

Back of Theodora, Billy stretched out his hand to Hope and pressed her
hand in silent token of understanding and pity. Nothing increases the
power of observation like suffering. Billy's long months of helpless
idleness had taught him to read the faces and moods of the people about
him as a strong, active boy could never have done. He had fathomed the
true state of affairs between Archie and Hope. He knew how much of
Hope's future happiness, unknown to herself even, was depending on the
outcome of that illness of Archie, and he saw her present pain, and the
brave self-control which helped her to master it.

Mrs. McAlister left for the West, that night The days which followed
were gloomy ones to them all, anxious and busy ones to Hope in
particular, for upon her devolved the care of the housekeeping and much
of the responsibility over Allyn and Phebe who was as fractious as never
before and resented Hope's gentle rule. Two more letters came from the
hospital; but they reported no change. Until Mrs. McAlister could reach
her brother, they could know nothing definite. They could only wait and
hope.

During all these weary, dreary days, it was a comfort to them all to
have Billy with them. It had long been impossible to think of him as an
outsider; but now he came closer to them than ever before, comforting
Hope, helping Theodora to pas