d only pray he
might not suffer so much; but things his uncle had helped me to, did
come so comfortably while he was asleep. Don't you remember saying I had
no troubles for Helen's cross to comfort me in!'

'And did it?' said Arthur, half smiling.

'Not itself, you know; but it helped to put me in mind to be sure that
all he was going through would somehow be a blessing. I could bear it
then, and not be angry, as I was last year. Dear little fellow, it is as
if he would put me in mind himself, for the only thing like play he has
done to-day has been holding it up, and pulling its chain.'

'There! go to your mother, Johnnie,' said Arthur, giving him back. 'She
is a rare one, I tell you, and you understand each other. He does not
look much amiss either. He really is a very pretty little fellow!'

No wonder Arthur made the discovery, as he for the first time remarked
the large wistful dark eyes, the delicately fair skin, which the heat
of the fire had tinged with soft pink, on the cheeks, the shapely little
head, with its flaxen waves of curl; and the tiny, bare, rosy feet,
outstretched to enjoy the warmth. Very small, tender, and fragile he
looked, and his features had an almost mournful expression, but there
was something peculiarly engaging in this frail little being.

Violet was charmed with the tribute of admiration: indeed, she had
hardly known whether she might hope for Arthur's return, though she had
felt as if her heart would break if her child should die without his
coming. The winter, though cheerful, had been spent in endeavours
against her want of faith and hope, and this hard trial in the spring
had brought with it a comfort and beginning of resignation that proved
that her efforts had not been in vain.

Very happy she was as, Sarah coming up, she prepared to go down with
Arthur, who now remembered to inform her of the arrival of 'Theodora and
her dummy.'

These two personages were waiting in the drawing-room, Theodora in an
excited state of anticipation and energy, prepared for a summons to take
care of the baby, while Arthur was supporting his wife in hysterics.

Long she waited and listened; at last there was an opening of doors,
then what she fancied the first shriek, and she started, alarmed, in
spite of being wound up, but it sounded nearer--much too like a
bona fide laugh, the very girlish sound she had condemned--Arthur's
voice--Violet's gaily answering! They came in, full of smiles, Violet
w