lly lightened by the shedding of the tears that had been
gathering all the week; and she soon laughed heartily over the merry
stories he had to tell about his sworn friend Davie Graham and the
master.

But Archie did not forget. That night, as they stood by the rowan-tree,
looking down on the foaming waters beneath, he said:

"Lily, I don't believe Davie Graham's sisters love him as you love me."

"They wouldn't need. Davie Graham's not like you. Besides, they have
other brothers, and I have only you."

"Yes; that may make a difference. But I'm sure I've been more trouble
to you than brothers generally are to their sisters. I wonder you don't
tire of it, Lily."

"That's what makes me miss you so much. Oh, Archie! I thought the week
would never be done."

"It can't be right for me to bide at Dunmoor, when you miss me so much,
Lily. I ought to give up the school for awhile, I think."

But Lilias would not hear of such a thing. Stay from the school for her
sake! No, indeed. That would never do, when he needed to go so much,
and when she had been wishing for it for his sake so long! And,
besides, it would be as much for her good as his, in the end. She would
far rather have him a great scholar by-and-by than to have his company
now.

"If Aunt Janet were only well again!" she added, after a little pause;
and a shadow passed over her face as she spoke.

This was the cloud that had been gathering and darkening; and it was not
very long before that which Lilias had feared came upon her. Her aunt
grew worse and worse; and, when Christmas-time came round, she was not
able to leave her bed. Privations to which she had been little
accustomed during the greater part of her life were beginning to tell on
her now. At first she was only feeble and incapable of exertion; but
her illness soon assumed a more decided form, and a severe rheumatic
attack rendered her, for a time, quite helpless. She was always
cheerful, and strove to comfort Lilias by telling her that, though her
illness was painful, it was not dangerous, and when the spring came
round she might hope to be strong and well again. But months must pass
before then, and the heart of Lilias sickened at the thought of all her
aunt must suffer. Even Archie's absence came to seem but a small matter
in comparison with this greater trial. By every means in her power she
strove to soothe her sufferings; but, alas! it was little she could do,
and slowly th