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

have spared you and him much suffering."

"I knew how engrossed he was by his business, and how ignorant he

was of household or medical matters, and I saved him all the bother

I could. I have tried, in some things and some times, to be a good

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

and"--beginning to weep--"the thought pierces my heart by day and by

night. 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 morning, directly he had given

me my breakfast. He thinks highly of his skill, and he would not be

contented without bringing him to see me. I really believe he is

anxious I should get well! Strange--isn't it? when I am such a

burden upon his mind and hands."

Aunt Rachel smiled.

"Not at all strange, you ridiculous child! Two of the most

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

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

affection and kindness by getting better rapidly while he is here,

that he may leave you with a lighter heart."

"He is kind! too kind!" murmured Rosa, composing herself among the

cushions, as if to sleep.

She was quiet so long that Mrs. Button had leisure for some

reflections relating to her own personal action in the somewhat

embarrassing position she occupied. She had never seen Frederic

Chrlton from the day he left Ridgeley as Mabel's betrothed. His

visits to the neighborhood since his marriage had been few and

brief, and she had studied to avoid him whenever she happened to be

with the William Suttons during one of these. He might have guessed

her design, or unwittingly favored it on his own account. The

meeting would not be more pleasant to him than to her. But why had

he allowed his wife to send for her? The alteration in him must

indeed be great, if he could, without a conflict with resentful and

painful memories, bow his pride to sue for the services of a

relative of the Ayletts, and formerly one of their household, even

in such a cause as that which now commanded her sympathies.




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