e mean time, we must hope for the best."

But, with so much cause to fear, it was no easy thing to hope; and to
Mrs Blair the day was a long and anxious one. Her sister seemed
conscious at intervals; but for the greater part of the time she lay
quite still, giving no evidence of life, save by her quick and laboured
breathing. When Dr Gordon came again at night there was no change for
the better; and, though he did not say so, it was evident to Mrs Blair
that he anticipated the worst.

"And must she die without recovering consciousness? Can she speak no
word to her children before she goes?"

"It is possible she may die without speaking again. But if she revives
so much as to speak, it will be very near the end."

Lilias had gone out on an errand, so that she did not see the doctor;
and her aunt's heart grew sick at the thought of telling her that her
mother must so soon die. Archie evidently had some idea of his mother's
state; for, though he did not speak, he gazed anxiously into his aunt's
face as she turned away from the bed.

"Poor boy! Poor, helpless child!" she murmured, stooping suddenly over
him. Poor boy, indeed! He knew it all now. He asked no questions. He
needed to ask none; but he hid his face in the pillow, and sobbed as if
his heart would break. At length Lilias' footstep was heard on the
stair, and he hushed his sobs to listen. She came up step by step,
slowly and wearily; for the watching and anxiety of the last few days
and nights were beginning to tell upon her.

"Well, aunt?" she said, laying down the burden she had brought up, and
looking hopefully into her aunt's face. Mrs Blair could not speak for
a moment; and Lilias, startled by her grave looks, exclaimed:

"Does Dr Gordon think my mother worse?"

"She is not much better, I fear, love," said her aunt, drawing her
towards her, and holding her hands firmly in her own. Lilias gave a
fearful glance into her face. The truth flashed upon her; but she put
it from her in terror.

"We must have patience, aunt. She has had no time to grow better yet."

"Yes, love; we must have patience. Whatever God shall see fit to send
on us, we must not distrust Him, Lilias."

"Yes, we must have patience," said the child, scarcely knowing what she
said. She went and knelt down beside the bed, and spoke to her mother;
but her voice had no power to rouse her from the heavy slumber into
which she had fallen. In a little while she rose, and w