wl over him, and closed the door.
'He did not sleep till daylight this morning,' she said, returning to
John. 'Any excitement gives him restless nights.'

'So I feared when I saw those two red spots on his cheeks in the
evening. I know them well! But how white and thin he looks! I want to
hear what you think of him. My father considers him fully recovered. Do
you?'

Violet shook her head. 'He is as well as could be hoped after such an
illness,' she said; 'and Dr. L. tells him there is no confirmed disease,
but that his chest is in a very tender state, and he must take the
utmost care. That delightful mountain air at Lassonthwayte entirely took
away his cough, and it has not returned, though he is more languid and
tired than he was in the north, but he will not allow it, his spirits
are so high.'

'I should like you to spend the winter abroad.'

'That cannot be. If he is able in October, he must join, and the
regiment is likely to be in London all the winter,' said Violet, with a
sigh.

'Then he does not mean to sell out?'

'No, we cannot afford it. We must live as little expensively as we can,
to get clear of the difficulties. Indeed, now the horses are gone, it is
such a saving that we have paid off some bills already.'

'Has Arthur really parted with his horses?'

'With all of them, even that beautiful mare. I am afraid he will miss
her very much, but I cannot say a word against it, for I am sure it is
right.'

'ALL the horses?' repeated John. 'What are you to do without a carriage
horse?'

'Oh! that is nothing new. We have not had one fit for me to use, since
the old bay fell lame three years ago. That does not signify at all, for
walking with the children suits me much better.'

John was confounded. He had little notion of existence without carriages
and horses.

'I shall have Arthur to walk with now. He promises Johnnie and me
delightful walks in the park,' said Violet, cheerfully, 'if he is but
well.'

'Ah! I see you dread that winter.'

'I do!' came from the bottom of Violet's heart, spoken under her breath;
then, as if regretting her admission, she smiled and said, 'Perhaps
there is no need! He has no fears, and it will be only too pleasant to
have him at home. I don't think about it,' added she, replying to the
anxious eyes that sought to read her fears. 'This summer is too happy to
be spoilt with what may be only fancies, and after the great mercies
we have received, it would be too bad to