of everyone who
is in trouble. Now run away, dear; I won't be any time in getting
dressed. I will join you and your father in a minute."

"Father will see you in the street," said Effie. "The fact is----"

"Oh, do run away," exclaimed Dorothy. "I cannot dress while you stand
here talking. Whatever it is, I will be with your father in two or three
minutes."

Effie ran downstairs again. Mrs. Fraser, who had let her in, had gone
back to bed. Effie shut the Frasers' hall door as quietly as she could.
She then went across the sunlit and empty street to where her father
stood on the steps at his own door. The groom who had driven the doctor
over was standing by the horse's head at a little distance.

"Well," said Dr. Staunton, "she has fought shy of it, has she?"

"No; she is dressing," said Effie. "She will be down in a minute or
two."

"Good girl!" said Dr. Staunton. "You didn't happen to mention the nature
of the case?"

"No, no," answered Effie; "but the nature of the case won't make any
difference to her."

The doctor pursed up his mouth as if he meant to whistle; he restrained
himself, however, and stood looking down the street. After a time he
turned and glanced at his daughter.

"Now, Effie," he said, "you must do all you can for your mother. Don't
let her get anxious. There is nothing to be frightened about as far as I
am concerned. If mortal man can pull the child through, I will do it,
but I must have no home cares as well. You will take up that burden--eh,
little woman?"

"I will try, father," said Effie.

Just then Dorothy appeared. She had dressed herself in her nurse's
costume--gray dress, gray cloak, gray bonnet. The dress suited her
earnest and reposeful face. She crossed the road with a firm step,
carrying a little bag in her hand.

"Well, Dr. Staunton," she said, "I hear you have got a case for me."

The doctor gazed at her for a moment without speaking.

"Bless me," he exclaimed; "it is a comfort to see a steady-looking
person like you in the place. And so you are really willing to help me
in this emergency?"

"Why, of course," said Dorothy. "I am a nurse."

"But you don't know the nature of the case yet!"

"I don't see that that makes any difference; but will you tell me?"

"And it is your holiday," pursued the doctor, gazing at her. "You don't
take many holidays in the year I presume?"

"I have had a week, and I am quite rested," said Dorothy. "I always hold
my life in readiness,