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He attempted to do it by himself, but the color rose to his face and his

breath ca a hand

"That's better!" she said cheerfully, and ignoring the signs of his

weakness "You can reach the toast----"

He stood by the , looking down absently and regaining his breath

which the effort, slight as it was, had tried

"There's a brougham stopped at the door," he said "Doctor, I suppose

No, it's a lady--a fashionable lady Perhaps she's come to take one of

the children for a drive?"

Nell looked out and uttered an exclaitation "I'

here--to see me!"

He moved to the door at once

"Oh, but stay! Why do you run away?" she exclairave shyness

"I'll come back if you're mistaken," he said "Your swell visitor would

be rather astonished at et ed Nell; but he shook his head and left her; and as she

heard his step going slowly up the stone stairs, she glanced at the tea,