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"It would have been better had you told him sooner, dear! It would

have spared you and hirossed he was by his business, and how ignorant he

was of household or medical matters, and I saved his and soood

wife, Aunt Rachel! But often I have failed, O, how egregiously!

and"--beginning to weep--"the thought pierces ht What if I never have an opportunity of doing any better, of

covering up the traces of my footsteps?"

Mrs Sutton patted the wasted hand with her cool one, but essayed no

other soothing

"Where is your husband now? I understood from your note that he was

with you"

"He rode over to Dr Ritchie's this iven

hly of his skill, and he would not be

contented without bringing hiet well! Strange--isn't it? when I am such a

burden upon his e, you ridiculous child! Two of the most

dearly-loved wives I ever kneere invalids, and bedridden, not for

weeks only, but for years You can best show your gratitude for his