e so kindly given.

Violet sat and watched her until she was well down the street, a queer
little smile on her pretty lips; but her attention was presently
attracted by the entrance of Mrs. Richardson, who came to see if she
wanted anything, and to bring her a little silver bell, to ring in case
she should need her.

"How well you are looking to-day, dear," she said, as she noticed her
bright eyes and the faint flush which was just beginning to tinge her
cheek, "I am really surprised at your rapid improvement during the last
few days."

"I feel almost well. I believe I could do an hour's practice if there
was only a piano here," Violet answered, as she glanced wistfully at her
music-roll, which lay on the table near her.

"I am sorry that we have none," Mrs. Richardson replied, "but perhaps it
is just as well, after all, for the effort might be too much for your
strength. Can I do anything for you?"

"Thank you, no," Violet answered, with an appreciative smile.

"Then I am going down into the laundry for a while, but I will leave
this bell with you; if you need me, ring, and I will come instantly."

"You are very good," the young girl said, then, with a rising flush and
downcast eyes, she asked: "How is Mr. Richardson this morning?"

"Doing finely, dear, thank you, only he gets a trifle impatient, now and
then, because his arm is useless, and he cannot go back to work."

"It must be very tedious for him, and I am very sorry," Violet said,
with a regretful sigh. Then with a timid, appealing glance: "May I not
see him, Mrs. Richardson, and tell him how I appreciate his heroism and
the service he rendered me?"

Mrs. Richardson colored at this request, for she had overheard Mrs.
Mencke telling the nurse to be sure and not allow any one to see Violet,
save those who had the care of her, and she well understood what that
injunction meant; consequently her pride and sense of what was right
would not allow her to take advantage of the nurse's absence to bring
about a meeting between the young people. So she replied, with quiet
gravity:

"I would not like to assume the responsibility of granting your request
to-day, dear; we must not tax your strength too much at first; some
other time, perhaps."

She put the bell where Violet could reach it, telling her to be sure to
ring if she needed anything, then she went out, leaving the door
slightly ajar.

As she disappeared Violet nodded her sunny head mischievously, and