indeed the long days and nights might well be trying to the child, who
had never needed to think twice about her own comfort all her life, and
who was now quite too acutely sensible, how much the comfort of all the
rest depended upon her. But she bore the trial well, and indeed came to
the conclusion, that it was quite as pleasant to be made useful, to be
trusted and consulted, and depended upon, as to be petted and played
with by her brothers. She quite liked the sense of responsibility,
especially when Graeme began to get well again, and though she got tired
very often, and grew pale now and then, they all agreed afterward that
this time did Rose no harm, but a great deal of good.

As for Nelly Anderson, circumstances certainly developed her powers in a
most extraordinary manner--not as a nurse, however. Her efforts in that
line were confined to rambling excursions about the sick-room in her
stockinged-feet, and to earnest entreaties to Graeme not to lose heart.
But in the way of dinners and breakfasts, she excited the astonishment
of the household, and her own most of all. When Arthur had peremptorily
forbidden that any reference should be made to Graeme in household
matters, Nelly had helplessly betaken herself to Rose, and Rose had as
helplessly betaken herself to "Catherine Beecher." Nothing short of the
state of absolute despair in which she found herself, would have induced
Nelly to put faith in a "printed book," in any matter where the labour
of her hands was concerned. But her accomplishments as a cook did not
extend the making of "porridge" or the "choppin' of potatoes," and more
was required. So with fear and trembling, Rose and she "laid their
heads together," over that invaluable guide to inexperienced
housekeepers, and the result was success--indeed a series of successes.
For emboldened by the favourable reception of their efforts, Nelly want
on and prospered; and Rose, content that she should have all the honour
of success, permitted her to have all the responsibility also.

Almost every morning Rose had a walk, either with Harry to his office,
or with Will, to the school, while Arthur stayed with Graeme. The walk
was generally quick enough to bring a bright colour to her cheeks, and
it was always a merry time if Harry was with her, and then she was ready
for her long day at home. She sometimes lingered on the way back. On
the broad shady pavements of the streets she used to choose, when she
w