uickly, so that in less than two hours they came in sight
of the pleasant orchards and gardens surrounding Mr. Nelson's house.
Then Mrs. Gray, after a smiling glance at her husband, said, "Nelly,
your mamma has a pretty present for you at home."

"What is it, aunty? I can't think of any thing that I want."

"It is the best present you ever had, my dear," said the lady, smiling.

"O, I guess it's a watch," cried Frankie, in an animated tone.

"No, it's a little brother," said aunty; "a darling baby brother."

Nelly opened wide her bright blue eyes, and then gave a scream of joy.
It was well they were just riding up the avenue to the house, or they
might not have been able to keep the excited child in the carriage.

"Where's my baby? Where's my brother?" she called out, running up the
steps and into the front door.

Fortunately her father was in the library. He came quickly to the door
to welcome Nelly and his friends.

She could scarcely stop to give him a kiss, before she said, "I want to
see my baby, papa--where is it?"

"Run very softly up in the nursery," said the gentleman, laughing at her
impatience. "You will find it there with Maria."

Nelly darted up the stairs, and was presently kneeling on the floor by
the cradle which held the tiny form of the baby. When her aunt gently
followed her into the room, she saw her, with flushed cheeks and
wondering eyes, still gazing at the sleeping babe.

Presently she turned away with an air of disappointment. "It isn't as
large as my great dolly," she said.

Maria, who had charge of the infant, now returned from the next room,
and began to welcome Nelly home again. She courtesied to Mrs. Gray,
though the lady could see that she had never forgiven her for not
allowing her to remain with the little girl.

"How is Mrs. Nelson?" asked Mrs. Gray.

"Very poorly as yet, ma'am. She is in the next room."

"Why, mamma, are you sick?" inquired Nelly, running into the chamber,
and climbing on the side of the bed.

"Take care, Nelly," cried her aunt. "Don't jar the bed so; your mamma
has been very ill."

"I'm sorry," said the little girl, affectionately, and she kissed her
mother's pale hand. "May I show Frankie my baby now?" she asked, turning
to her aunt.

"If you will go very softly, dear. Remember, noise will make your mamma
worse." Then Mrs. Gray went into the next room, and took off her bonnet
and shawl. After this, she returned to the nursery, where the baby was