can I relieve you?" And there was amusement as
well as sympathy in Dr. Alec's face as he patted the hand upon his arm.

"Please don't laugh, for I really am trying to be good. In the first
place, help me to wean myself from foolish pleasures and show me how
to occupy my thoughts and time so that I may not idle about and dream
instead of doing great things."

"Good! We'll begin at once. Come to town with me this morning and see
your houses. They are all ready, and Mrs. Gardner has half a dozen
poor souls waiting to go in as soon as you give the word," answered the
doctor promptly, glad to get his girl back again, though not surprised
that she still looked with regretful eyes at the Vanity Fair, always so
enticing when we are young.

"I'll give it today, and make the new year a happy one to those poor
souls at least. I'm so sorry that it's impossible for me to go with you,
but you know I must help Aunty Plen receive. We haven't been here for
so long that she had set her heart on having a grand time today, and I
particularly want to please her because I have not been as amiable as I
ought lately. I really couldn't forgive her for siding against Phebe."

"She did what she thought was right, so we must not blame her. I am
going to make my New Year's calls today and, as my friends live down
that way, I'll get the list of names from Mrs. G. and tell the poor
ladies, with Miss Campbell's compliments, that their new home is ready.
Shall I?"

"Yes, Uncle, but take all the credit to yourself, for I never should
have thought of it if you had not proposed the plan."

"Bless your heart! I'm only your agent, and suggest now and then. I've
nothing to offer but advice, so I lavish that on all occasions."

"You have nothing because you've given your substance all away as
generously as you do your advice. Never mind you shall never come to
want while I live. I'll save enough for us two, though I do make 'ducks
and drakes of my fortune.'"

Dr. Alec laughed at the toss of the head with which she quoted Charlie's
offensive words, then offered to take the letter, saying, as he looked
at his watch: "I'll post that for you in time for the early mail. I like
a run before breakfast."

But Rose held her letter fast, dimpling with sudden smiles, half merry
and half shy.

"No thank you, sir. Archie likes to do that, and never fails to call for
all I write. He gets a peep at Phebe's in return and I cheer him up
a bit, for, though he says