done?"

Fanny suppresses a sob, as she thus gives vent to her troubled
feelings. Twice, already, has her husband been seized with the
drunkard's madness; and, in the nervous prostration consequent
upon even a brief withdrawal of his usual strong stimulants, she
sees the fearful precursor of another attack of this dreadful and
dangerous malady. In the hope of supplying the needed tone she has
given him strong coffee; and this for the time, produces the
effect desired. The restlessness is allayed, and a quiet state of
body and mind succeeds. It needs but a suggestion to induce him to
retire for the night. After being a few minutes in bed, sleep
steals over him, and his heavy breathing tells that he is in the
world of dreams.

And now there comes a tap at the door.

"Come in," is answered.

The latch is lifted, the door swings open, and a woman enters.

"Mrs. Slade! "The name is uttered in a tone of surprise.

"Fanny, how are you this evening?" Kindly, yet half sadly, the
words are said.

"Tolerable, I thank you."

The hands of the two women are clasped, and for a few moments they
gaze into each other's face. What a world of tender commiseration