varied emotions flickering on her face.

"Poor child!" Mrs. Costello went on. "This is better than I ever hoped
for her." They went nearer, and Mrs. Bellairs bent down and kissed
Lucia's cheek.

"Make your mother go home with me," she whispered. "This will be more
than she is equal to." Then turning again to her friend she went on, "I
see you are right, and I must go back and tell my husband. You will come
with me?"

"No. I have a presentiment that I shall not be needed here long; while I
am, I must stay."

"But you cannot be sure, and you must not tire yourself out at the
beginning."

"I shall not tire myself. I can rest here perfectly, only I cannot leave
him."

"We met the doctor just now. He said he was coming here again. Will you
come if he advises it?"

Mrs. Costello again shook her head.

"You all think too much of me. You must leave me here, dear Mrs.
Bellairs, and Lucia can stay for an hour or two if she wishes; and tell
Mr. Bellairs how much we thank him, and that nothing can be done now."

Lucia looked wistfully at her mother's pale face.