r dress, her small feet so trigly shod, her lovely face bending
over the most trivial duty with a smile of sweet contentment; and he
could not help thinking hopefully of Harry. Indeed her atmosphere was so
afar from whatever was evil or sorrowful that John wondered how he was
to begin a conversation which must be a disturbance.

Presently the room was in perfect order, and the children asleep; then
she touched a bell, but no one answered it. After waiting a few minutes,
she said, "John, the girl has evidently gone out. I must go down for my
supper tray. In five minutes I will be back."

"I will go with you."

"Thank you! When Harry is not home, I like to eat my last meal beside
the sleeping children. Then I can take a book and read leisurely, so the
hours pass pleasantly away."

"Is Harry generally late?"

"He has to be late. Very often his song is the last on the program. Here
is the tray. It is all ready--except your cup and plate. You will take a
cup of tea with me, John?"

"Yes, but I am going to look for Harry soon and I may keep him all
night. Do you care? Are you afraid?"

"Harry is safe with you. I am glad you are going to keep him all night,
I am not at all afraid," and as she arranged the tray and its contents
on the table by the hearth, John heard the sweetest strain of melody
thrill the little space between them. He looked at her inquiringly, and
she sang softly,

"I dwell
Too near to God, for doubt or fear,
And share the eternal calm."

"Where is Harry tonight?" he asked.

"He was to sing at the _Odeon_ in the oratorio of 'Samson.' I used to go
and hear him but I cannot leave the children now."

"My dear Lucy, I have come to London specially to talk with you and
Harry. I have been made miserable about Harry."

"Who told you anything wrong of Harry?"

"Your father. He is distressed at the road Harry is taking. He says
Harry is beginning to gamble."

"Is my father sure of what he says?"

"Lucy, I am Harry's elder brother. He is dear as life to me. I am your
true friend; be trustful of me. You may speak to me as to your own
heart. I have come to help you."

Then she let all the minor notes of doubt and uncertainty go and
answered, "Harry needs you, John, though I hardly know how. He is in
great temptations--he lost every shilling of the last money you sent. I
do not know how he lost it. We are living now on money I saved when
Harry made so much more, and my