y right to tell you. Try them:
give them nothing for a visit or two, and see whether they won't sulk
and look gloomy, although you may talk to them as kindly as ever----"

"And if they did," said Lady Alice, with a sudden flash of energy and
insight which amazed herself, "who could blame them, considering the
pain they have suffered, and the brutal lives they lead? Why should they
listen to my poor words, if I go to them without a gift in my hand?"

She spoke as she would have spoken to an equal--an unconscious tribute
to the refinement which stamped this man as of a higher calibre than his
fellows.

"It is a convenient doctrine for them," said John Smith, and buried his
head in the bedclothes as if he wanted to hear nothing more.

For Lady Alice's next two visits he would not look up, or respond when
she came near him, which she never failed to do; but on the third
occasion he lifted his head.

"Well, madam," he said, "you have after all been trying my plan, I hear.
Do you find that it works well?"

Lady Alice hesitated. The averted faces and puzzled, downcast--sometimes
sullen--looks of the sick men and boys to whom she had of late given
nothing but kind words, had grieved her sorely.

"I suppose it proves the truth, in part, of what you say," she answered
gently, "but on the other hand I find that my gifts have been judged
excessive and unwise. It seems that I have a great deal to learn in the
art of giving: it does not come by nature, as some suppose. I have
consulted the doctors and nurses--and I have to thank you for giving me
a warning."

A look of surprise passed across the man's face.

"You're better than some of them," he said, curtly. "I thought you'd
never look at me again. I don't know why I should have interfered. But I
did not like to see you cheated and laughed at."

Lady Alice colored, but she felt no resentment against the man, although
he had shown her that she had made herself ridiculous when she was bent
on playing Lady Bountiful, and posing as an angel of light. She said
after a moment's pause--

"I believe you meant kindly. Is there nothing that I can do for you?"

He shook his head. "I don't think so--I can't remember very well. The
doctors say I shall remember by and by. Then I shall know."

"And if I can, you will let me help you?"

"I suppose I ought to be only too glad," said the patient, with a sort
of sullenness, which Lady Alice felt that she could but dimly
understand. "I