h her brother.

CHAPTER X.

_CHANGES_.

SCENE.--_A chamber at the Seymour House. Little discovered weeping.
John rushing in with empressement_.

"Lillie, you _shall_ tell me what ails you."

"Nothing ails me, John."

"Yes, there does; you were crying when I came in."

"Oh, well, that's nothing!"

"Oh, but it _is_ a great deal! What is the matter? I can see that you
are not happy."

"Oh, pshaw, John! I am as happy as I ought to be, I dare say; there
isn't much the matter with me, only a little blue, and I don't feel
quite strong."

"You don't feel strong! I've noticed it, Lillie."

"Well, you see, John, the fact is, that I never have got through this
month without going to the sea-side. Mamma always took me. The doctors
told her that my constitution was such that I couldn't get along
without it; but I dare say I shall do well enough in time, you know."

"But, Lillie," said John, "if you do need sea-air, you must go. I
can't leave my business; that's the trouble."

"Oh, no, John! don't think of it. I ought to make an effort to get
along. You see, it's very foolish in me, but places affect my spirits
so. It's perfectly absurd how I am affected."

"Well, Lillie, I hope this place doesn't affect you unpleasantly,"
said John.

"It's a nice, darling place, John, and it's very silly in me; but
it is a fact that this house somehow has a depressing effect on my
spirits. You know it's not like the houses I've been used to. It has a
sort of old look; and I can't help feeling that it puts me in mind of
those who are dead and gone; and then I think I shall be dead and gone
too, some day, and it makes me cry so. Isn't it silly of me, John?"

"Poor little pussy!" said John.

"You see, John, our rooms are lovely; but they aren't modern and
cheerful, like those I've been accustomed to. They make me feel
pensive and sad all the time; but I'm trying to get over it."

"Why, Lillie!" said John, "would you like the rooms refurnished? It
can easily be done if you wish it."

"Oh, no, no, dear! You are too good; and I'm sure the rooms are
lovely, and it would hurt Gracie's feelings to change them. No: I must
try and get over it. I know just how silly it is, and I shall try to
overcome it. If I had only more strength, I believe I could."

"Well, darling, you must go to the sea-side. I shall have you sent
right off to Newport. Gracie can go with you."

"Oh, no, John! not for the world. Gracie must stay, and keep