se. I told the women. They ought to
have it now. And a nurse, too; the women are ill themselves."

Dr. Bird went his way, and Matilda persuaded Norton to go at once in
quest of some juicy beef. It would be a difficult job, he said, for the
butchers' shops were shut up; but he would go and try. While he was
gone Matilda amused herself with getting a dinner for him and herself
down in the kitchen; and there, when he came back, the two went, to eat
their dinner and to set the beef tea a-going. They had rather a jolly
time of it, to tell the truth; and were so very social, and discussed
so many things besides their beef and bread, that the beef tea was
ready to strain by the time Matilda had cleared the things away. And
then she and Norton went down to the farmhouse to carry it.

They could get nobody to come to the door, so they opened it for
themselves. It was a sad house to see. In two rooms all the family were
gathered; the men lying on beds in the inner room, one woman on the
floor of the other, and one on a cot. All ill. The girl alone held her
head up, and she complained it was hard to do even that. Matilda and
Norton went from one room to another. The men lay like logs, stupid
with fever; one of the women was light-headed; not any of them would
touch what Matilda had brought. The poor girl who was still on her feet
was crying. There was no fire, no friend, no comfort or help of any
sort. Nor ton and his little companion made the rounds helplessly, and
then went out to consult together.

"Norton, they are dreadfully ill," whispered Matilda. "I know they are."

"I guess you are right," said Norton. "But you and I can't do anything."

"I can," said Matilda. "I can give them water, and I can give them beef
tea. And you, Norton, I will tell you what you can do. Go for Miss
Redwood."

"Miss Redwood? who's she?"

"Don't you remember? Mr. Richmond's housekeeper. She'll come, I know."

"She'll be very good if she does," said Norton. "But I'll tell her you
said so. Do you think she would come?"

"I'm certain of it."

CHAPTER XI.

Norton made his way to the brown door of the parsonage, and knocked;
but the person that opened it was the minister himself. Norton was a
little confused now, remembering what his errand meant there.

"Norton Laval, isn't it?" said Mr. Richmond. "You are very welcome,
Norton, at my house. Will you come in?"

"No, sir. If you please----"

"What is it? Something you would rathe