think of nothing to say but the old hope that the baby was
better. As they stopped, he threw open the carriage-door, and springing
out, impatiently rang.

'Child better?' were his hurried words to James.

'Yes, sir.'

Before even this brief answer was spoken, Arthur was halfway upstairs.
No one was in the drawing room; he dashed up to the bed-room; that, too,
was empty; he climbed on where he had never been before, and opened the
nursery-door.

There sat Violet on a low chair by the fire, with the little boy on her
lap. With a cry of joy she rose; and in another moment was standing,
almost unable to speak, as she saw Johnnie, looking much surprised, but
well pleased, to find himself in those strong arms, and his soft face
scrubbed by the black whiskers.

'He is pleased! He is smiling. You know papa, don't you, my Johnnie?'
cried the happy Violet.

'And he is all right again?'

'So much better to-day! We trust the cold is gone. Does he not breathe
softly and freely? If only there's no return to-night.'

'Was there last night?'

'Indeed there was. It was too dreadful!' said Violet, leaning against
him, and lowering her voice. 'Once Sarah and Mr. Harding both thought it
was all over, and I never dared to expect to see those eyes come back to
their own dear look at me! O, Arthur, when I thought if I could but once
have seen him in your arms! I never thought to be so happy as this!' and
she caressed the child to hide the tears of thankfulness. 'I'm glad you
weren't there.'

'My Violet, why!'

'You could not have borne to have seen and heard, and now you won't have
it to remember. At least, I trust not! Think of their once wanting me to
go away, saying it was not fit, and that I was of no use; but you knew
better, Johnnie. You held mamma's finger tight, and when you came to
yourself, your sweet look and smile were for her! And at last he went
to sleep over my shoulder, as he likes best; and I felt each one of his
breathings, but they grew soft and smooth at last, and after two good
hours he woke up quite himself.'

'And you! Sitting up all night! You are not fit for such things. How did
you get through it?'

'I don't know; I hardly remember,' said Violet. 'Your letter was such a
pleasure! and oh! I had help.'

'What, Harding--'

'I did not mean that, though he was very kind. No, I meant
thoughts--verses in the Bible,' said Violet, hanging her head, and
whispering, 'I don't mean at the worst. Then one coul