he had spoken, and of whose condition he felt grave
doubts.

Seeing Joseph close by he gave him a nod, and said:

"Hast come to fetch home thy brother? Two of my apprentices have
been taken away since yesterday. He is a good lad, and does his
best; but he may take a holiday at home if he likes. You are
healthier at your end of the town, and they say the distemper comes
not near water.

"Wilt thou go home to thy mother, boy? We want men rather than lads
at our work in these days."

Joseph had had no thought of fetching home his brother when he
started, but it seemed to him that Benjamin would be much better at
home than in this crowded yard, where already the infection might
have spread. The boy confessed to a headache and pains in his
limbs; and so fearful were all men now of any symptom of illness,
however trifling, that the master sent him forth without delay,
bidding Joseph take him straight home to his mother, and keep him
there at his father's pleasure. A young boy was better at home in
these days, as indeed might well be the case.

Benjamin was well pleased with this arrangement, having had
something too much of over hours and hard work.

"He thinks perchance I have the distemper upon me," he remarked
slyly to Joseph, "but it is not that. It is but the long hours and
the heat and noise of the yard. I shall be well enough when I get
home to mother."

And this indeed proved to be the case. The child was overdone, and
wanted but a little rest and care and mothering; and right glad
were both his parents to have him safe under their own wing.

Upon that hot evening, almost the first in June, James Harmer had
the satisfaction of feeling that he had every member of his family
under his own roof, and that his household contained now none who
were not indeed his very own flesh and blood. Janet had slept
peacefully almost the whole day, and had conversed happily and
affectionately through the closed door with her sisters, who were
rejoiced to have her there. She spoke of feeling perfectly well but
desired to remain in seclusion until certain that she could injure
none beside. She was not therefore able to be present when her
father unfolded his plans to the rest of the family, though she was
quickly apprised of the result later on.

"My dear wife and dutiful children," said the master of the house,
as he sat at table and looked about him at the ring of dear faces
round him, "I have been thinking much as to what