heerful. You have no cause to be otherwise."

It was easy to say "be cheerful." But Graeme hardly hoped for her
sister, after that day. Often and often she repeated to herself the
doctor's words, that there was no immediate danger, but she could take
no comfort from them. The great dread was always upon her. She never
spoke of her fears again, and shrank from any allusion to her sister's
state, till her friends--and even the faithful Janet, who knew her so
well--doubted whether she realised the danger, which was becoming every
day more apparent to them all. But she knew it well, and strove with
all her power, to look calmly forward to the time when the worst must
come; and almost always, in her sister's presence, she strove
successfully. But these quiet, cheerful hours in Marian's room, were
purchased by hours of prayerful agony, known only to Him who is full of
compassion, even when His chastisements are most severe.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

No. None knew so well as Graeme that her sister was passing away from
among them; but even she did not dream how near the time was come. Even
when the nightly journey up-stairs was more than Marian could
accomplish, and the pretty parlour, despoiled of its ornaments, became
her sick-room, Graeme prayed daily for strength to carry her through the
long months of watching, that she believed were before her. As far as
possible, everything went on as usual in the house. The children's
lessons were learned, and recited as usual, generally by Marian's side
for a time, but afterwards they went elsewhere, for a very little thing
tired her now. Still, she hardly called herself ill. She suffered no
pain, and it was only after some unusual exertion that she, or others,
realised how very weak she was becoming day by day. Her work-basket
stood by her side still, for though she seldom touched it now, Graeme
could not bear to put it away. Their daily readings were becoming brief
and infrequent. One by one their favourite books found their accustomed
places on the shelves, and remained undisturbed. Within reach of her
hand lay always Menie's little Bible, and now and then she read a verse
or two, but more frequently it was Graeme's trembling lips, that
murmured the sweet familiar words. Almost to the very last she came out
to family worship with the rest, and when she could not, they went in to
her. And the voice, that had been the sweetest of them all, joined
softly and sweetly