muslin toilet, and et ceteras, were more luxurious than what she ever
saw, except when visiting with Flora, and so new as to tell a tale of
the mother's fond preparation for the return of the daughter from
school. In a few moments she heard her father saying, in a voice as
if speaking to a sick child, 'Yes, I promise you, my dear. Be good,
be reasonable, and you shall come back in the morning. No, you can't
go there. Henry is going to bed. Here is a friend for you. Now,
Mary, don't let me see her till she has slept.'

Mary took the other hand, and between them they placed her in an arm-
chair, whose shining fresh white ground and gay rose-pattern
contrasted with her heated, rumpled, over-watched appearance, as she
sank her head on her hand, not noticing either Mary's presence or the
Doctor's departure. Mary stood doubtful for a few seconds, full of
pity and embarrassment, trying to take in the needs of the case.

Averil Ward was naturally a plump, well-looking girl of eighteen,
with clearly-cut features, healthy highly-coloured complexion, and
large bright hazel eyes, much darker than her profuse and glossy
hair, which was always dressed in the newest and most stylish
fashion, which, as well as the whole air of her dress and person,
was, though perfectly lady like, always regarded by the Stoneborough
world as something on the borders of presumption on the part of the
entire Ward family.

To Mary's surprise, the five weeks' terrible visitation, and these
last fearful five days of sleepless exertion and bereavement, had not
faded the bright red of the cheek, nor were there signs of tears,
though the eyes looked bloodshot. Indeed, there was a purple tint
about the eyelids and lips, a dried-up appearance, and a heated