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"I simply tell thee peril is at hand, And would preserve thee!"

BYRON

Two days later the cousins sat in their front roo beside the couch of pain, bathing her aunt's brow, and chafing the hands Aunt Lizzy was suffering from violent nervous headache: all day she had tossed restlessly about, and now, soothed by the gentle touches on her brow, had fallen asleep Her fingers had tightly clasped Mary's s their hold, sunk beside her Softly s nurse failed to perceive the entrance of Dr Bryant, and only looked up when a beautiful bouquet of floas laid upon her lap The feverish glow deepened on her cheek as she war"

"How could I do otherwise?"

"My bunch is equally beautiful," cried Florence, holding it up for inspection "Pray, Doctor, how cahly acquainted with our different tastes? You have selected ad so happily in ement of them But I hope your aunt is not seriously indisposed?"

"No, merely a bad nervous attack, to which she is subject"

"Miss Mary, as you are free from apprehension on her account, can you take a short ride this evening? I have a gentle horse at the gate, and if you will trust yourself with ly: will you go?"

Mary sought Florence's eye; it brightened with pleasure

"Certainly, Mary; why do you hesitate? I aood care of aunt, and the ride will doubtless benefit you"

"You are very kind, Doctor; I will only detain you while I change my dress" And she withdrew

"Don't you think she looks much better to-day?" asked Florence, anxiously, as her cousin left the room

"She has certainly low Let reatest care: the slightest exposure h, and in her feeble state I fear for the consequences"

"She has grown very, very thin, within the last ain, I doubt not she will grow rosy and strong once ainst conviction each had striven to cheer the other