hour,
principally of the works; then said that he had promised to be home
for supper, and took a rather hasty leave. He called good-night to the
sisters from the top of the kitchen stairs.

Jane's face was full of joyous questioning as soon as her sister
reappeared, but Emma disclosed nothing till they two were alone in the
bed-room. To Emma it was the simplest thing in the world to put a duty
before pleasure; she had no hesitation in telling her sister how matters
stood. And the other accepted it as pure love.

'I'm sure it'll only be a week or two before we can manage for
ourselves,' Jane said. 'Of course, people are far readier to give you
work than they would be to me or Kate. But it'll be all right when we're
once started.'

'I shall be very sorry to leave you, dear,' murmured Emma. 'You'll have
to be sure and let me know if you're not feeling well, and I shall come
at once.'

'As if you could do that!' laughed the other. 'Besides, it'll be quite
enough to keep me well to know you're happy.'

'I do hope Kate won't be trying.'

'Oh, I'm sure she won't. Why, it's quite a long time since she had one
of her worst turns. It was only the hard work and the trouble as worried
her. And now that's all over. It's you we have to thank for it all, Em.'

'You'll have to come and be with me sometimes, Jane. I know there'll
always be something missing as long as you're out of my sight. And you
must see to it yourself that the sheets is always aired; Kate's often
so careless about that. You will promise me now, won't you? I shall be
dreadfully anxious every washing day, I shall indeed. You know that the
least thing'll give you a chill.'

'Yes, I'll be careful,' said the other, half sadly. She was lying in her
bed, and Emma sat on a chair by the side. 'But you know it's not much
use, love. I don't suppose as I shall live so very long. But I don't
care, as soon as I know you're happy.'

'Jane, I should never know happiness if I hadn't my little sister to
come and talk to. Don't think like that, don't for my sake, Janey dear!'

They laid their cheeks together upon the pillows.

'He'll be a good husband,' Jane whispered. 'You know that, don't you,
Emmy?'

'No better in all this world! Why do you ask so?'

'No--no--I didn't mean anything. He said you mustn't wait much longer,
didn't he?'

'Yes, he did. But he'd rather see me doing what's right. I often feel
myself such a poor thing by him. I must try and show him that