Violet, can't you get me in, in Johnnie's train?
If you will let me take charge or him, I will keep an eye over the cake,
and you shall see how I will muffle him up to come home.'

It was too good an offer to be refused, though Violet had doubts whether
it would be perfect happiness, for Johnnie was apt to shrink from
strange children, and was unusually shy and timid. However, his spirits
had risen of late. Ever since he had found his place in his father's
heart, the drooping unchild-like sadness had passed away, and though
still grave and thoughtful, there was a life and animation about him at
times that cheered and delighted her.

There was a great friendship between him and 'Uncle Percy'; they took
walks together, fed the ducks in St. James's Park, had many interesting
conversations on Brogden affairs, and Johnnie had been several times at
the rooms over the toy-shop, and was on intimate terms with old Puss.
Violet knew that he would be safe, and was willing to think it right he
should be made more of a man.

She felt her Johnnie's value more than ever that evening, when she saw
how his father missed him. After the pleasure of seeing him ready to set
off, looking so fair and bright and delicate, Arthur flagged very much.

It had been a trying day. The experiment of a more strengthening diet
had resulted in heightened pulse and increased cough, and the medical
men had been obliged to own that though the acute inflammation had been
subdued, the original evil still remained, and that he was farther from
complete recovery than they had lately been hoping. Besides, he had sent
in his claim on Mr. Gardner, on hearing of his marriage, and the answer,
now due, did not come.

Nothing but the company of the children seemed likely to divert his
thoughts, and Helen was too much for him. She was exalted at her own
magnanimity in rejoicing that Johnnie should have the treat without
her, and was in a boisterous state that led to an edict of banishment,
vehemently resisted. It was the first time that anything had gone wrong
in Arthur's presence, and Violet was much concerned, and fearful of
the effect, when, after the conquest had been achieved, she left Helen
sobbing in the nursery, and came down to his room.

There was not the annoyance she had dreaded; but the dejection had been
deepened, and he did not respond to the somewhat forced cheerfulness
with which she tried to speak of the generosity united in Helen with a
hasty t