are say I can give you fifty pounds toward it this week.
Squire Harvey won't require the whole of the money back at once."

"Oh, he doesn't require it at all," said Effie. "It is I who require it.
It is my honor and the honor of my dead father that demands it. It ought
to be paid back, and you ought to do it."

"Don't speak so loudly--you do get so excited about things," said
George.

Effie lowered her voice. Lawson, as he talked to Mrs. Staunton, glanced
sharply at her.

Tea was brought in, and Effie had to take her place at the tea-tray.
George's words had made her feel more uncomfortable than ever. It was
absolute nonsense to suppose that he could be earning money at this
rate.

After tea, Effie had to go back to the hospital.

"Good-by mother," she said. "I won't see you now for a fortnight."

Mrs. Staunton got up and put her feeble old arms round her daughter's
neck. "Good-by, my darling," she said. "Take care of yourself; don't
overwork yourself. Remember it is unnecessary. You have got a home, and
a dear, noble, faithful brother to provide for you."

"Yes, Effie, you are heartily welcome to all that I can give you," said
George in a lofty tone.

Effie pressed her lips to her mother's, kept her arms for one moment
round her neck, and then turned away with tears in her eyes.

"Good-by, George," she said, holding out her hand.

"I'll see you back to the hospital," said George.

"Don't do that. It is a beautiful evening; mother would like you to take
a walk with her."

"And I'd have the greatest pleasure in seeing Miss Effie home, if she
would let me," said Lawson.

George hesitated for a moment. For some reason, which was more than
evident, he did not want Effie to be alone with his friend.

He looked at his mother. She did not catch his eye, or she would have
read his wish by instinct. The evening was really very fine, and she
liked to walk round the square leaning on George's arm. When well
enough, too, she liked him to take her to church.

"I think I'd enjoy a little walk with you, George," she said. "The
evening is quite like spring--Wonderful weather for so near Christmas;
the air is as mild and soft as milk; and as Mr. Lawson has so kindly
promised to see Effie back, perhaps you'd come?"

"All right," said George. "By-by, Effie; you'll hear from me, perhaps,
in the course of the week."

Effie went downstairs, followed by Lawson. As soon as ever they got out,
he looked her full in the fac