with you in one room, Guy, if I could leave home, but I
cannot do that just yet. I must stay until Mr. Hackett comes back. I know
they cannot do without me just now, dear. I would go with you willingly if
I could, for I feel so tired and discouraged. Mamma thinks I neglect her if
I am not constantly waiting upon her; but there are the children to see to.
They are good little things, but they take up the time, you know, and the
hours seem to more than fly."

"But if you were not there, dear, perhaps your mother would rouse herself;
and I do think that would do her more good than all the doctoring she is
getting, and Gussie should be able to be of as much assistance as
yourself."

"Perhaps you are right, Guy, but it does not seem right for me to leave
them now, and so soon after papa's death, too," and her eyes filled again.

"But you know your father said we were not to let that delay our marriage,
dear. I feel quite sure he knew you would not have a happy life, so wished
you under my protection."

"Don't tempt me anymore, Guy," said the quivering lips. "You do not know
how my heart cries out for the comfort and relief that you offer me. I know
very well I am only tolerated at home on account of my usefulness, but they
do not understand what it would be like if I were not there. Gussie has not
the necessary practice to make her the help she might be, and mamma would
be sure to suffer if I left them before the new help arrives. Besides, Guy,
I have not had time to prepare a thing for myself yet," she added, in a
low, shy voice.

"You have not had time to get the rest you need, darling, and that is of
more account than anything else. You must not think I am going to let you
stay home and have Gussie abuse you while you make up a lot of finery. Be
my little wife in earnest, darling, and whatever you want you can get just
as easily after you are married as before. I never could see the sense in
women making up such a quantity of new clothes just before their marriage;
it always looks to me as if they were afraid their future husbands would
not give them what they required when they were married."

"Let me speak to your mother to-day, Dexie, dear," he added, "and I will
tell her that it was your father's wish that we should not delay our
marriage; and I must insist that you be used with more consideration. I
really cannot let matters go on without some protest; it would not be right
for me to allow it, either."

"Very