there was a reward to her in this proof of the
tenderness and generosity of that wonderful woman's nature she had
made it her life's work to develop and train.

Each day there was a bulletin put up in the hall, stating Nellie's
condition. It was always cheerful. Miss Ashton wrote,--

"Nellie is cross this morning. Dr. Dawson pronounces it the best
symptom he has seen since she was taken sick."

"Nellie has asked for a piece of that mince-pie one of you sent
her. Nurse says, 'No,' but looks much pleased at the request."

"Rejoicing in the hospital! a decided improvement in Nellie."

"Nellie teases to sit up."

"Nellie lifted onto the sofa! Dressed in my old blue wrapper!
Looks white and funny."

"Nellie sends her love and thanks to all her kind, kind
friends."

"Nellie teasing to see Marion Parke."

"Nellie pronounced out of danger."

"Nellie removed to Mrs. Gaston's, where she will stay until she
is strong enough to resume her studies. Sends love and thanks."

The next day there were rumors around the school that Marion Parke,
who had been missed by this time, and accounted for, was taken sick
with diphtheria, and was much worse than Nellie had ever been.

Now, of course, the panic began anew; and as many of the girls had
written home and obtained leave to return, more than that, commands to
do so, as the sick girl's case was contagious, Miss Ashton found all
her trouble renewed.

She had been besieged with letters from anxious parents, charging her
not to trifle with their children's lives, but by all means to send
them home at once if there was the least real danger; so now she had
no hesitation in letting those go who wished, indeed it was a relief
to her to have the number of her school smaller, and the anxiety
lessened; but now it was only a scare. Marion did have a sore throat,
but it was one which comes often with an ordinary cold, and Dr. Dawson
laughed at it, gave her some slight medicines, and scolded Miss Ashton
for having separated her so long from the girls.

The girls gave her a wide berth, but for this Miss Ashton had prepared
her, and Marion was more amused than hurt by it.

Before a week had passed, the four room-mates were together in their
old rooms, and Marion was made a heroine. All she had done for Nellie
was exaggerated, with that generous exaggeration of which girls are so
capable.

After all, this diphtheritic episode had only been injurious to the