lurked in her
heart affection sufficient to induce her to bestow herself, and all her
wealth, upon him, spendthrift and profligate as she must know him to
be. Miserable must be her future life; and Theodora's heart ached as
she thought of wretchedness unaided by that which can alone give support
through the trials of life, and bring light out of darkness. She
could only pray that the once gay companion of her girlhood, whose
thoughtlessness she had encouraged, might yet, even by affliction, be
led into the thorny path which Theodora was learning to feel was the way
of peace.

Arthur was wakened by the recurring cough, and the look of distress and
anxiety returned; but the first word, by which Violet reminded him
of Percy's call, brought back the air of relief and tranquillity. Mr.
Harding, at his evening visit, was amazed at the amendment; and Johnnie
amused his grandfather by asking if the owl man was really a doctor,
or whether Sarah was right when she said he had rescued papa and his
portmanteau out of a den of thieves.

When Violet left the room at night, the patient resignation of her face
was brightening into thankfulness; and while preparing for rest, she
could ask questions about the little girls. Theodora knew that she might
tell her tale; and sitting in her favourite place on Violet's footstool,
with her head bent down, she explained the error between the two
cousins.

'How glad I am!' said the soft voice, ever ready to rejoice with her.
'Somehow, I had never recollected it, he is so like what he used to be.
I am very glad.'

'Don't treat it as if it was to concern me,' said Theodora. 'I care only
as he remains the noblest of men.'

'That he is.'

'Don't wish any more, nor think I do,' said Theodora. 'I never liked
stories of young ladies who reform on having the small-pox. It is time
nonsense should be out of my head when a man does not know me again.'

'Oh! surely--did he not?'

'Not till I spoke. No wonder, and it is better it should be so. I
am unworthy any way. O, Violet, now will you not let me ask your
forgiveness?'

'What do you mean, dearest?'

'Those races.'

Violet did not shrink from the mention; she kissed Theodora's brow,
while the tears, reserved for the time of respite, dropped fast and
bright.

'Poor dear,' she said; 'how much you have suffered!'

There was silence for some moments. Theodora striving to keep her tears
as quiet as her sister's.

'I think,' said Violet, low