that day we spent together.
You asked what was the matter--oh, I don't know! a sort of slow,
nervous fever, not infectious at all, nor very alarming; only it must
be watched, and he always wants some one with him, and of course after
a while one gets tired. That cannot be helped. We have managed very
well."

"Not Mrs. Copley and you alone?"

"Yes."

"How long?"

"It is five weeks now."

"And no improvement yet?"

"I do not know. Mother thinks a little," said Dolly, faltering. This
speaking to eyes and ears of sympathy, after so long an interval,
rather upset her; her lips trembled, tears came, she was upon the point
of breaking down; she struggled for self-command, but her lips trembled
more and more.

"I have come in good time," said her visitor.

"It is pleasant to see somebody, to be able to speak to somebody, that
is so good as to care," said Dolly, brushing her hand over her eyes
swiftly.

"You are worn out," said the other gently. "I am not going to be simply
somebody to speak to. Miss Copley, I am a countryman, and a sort of a
friend, you know. You will let me take the watch to-night."

"You!" said Dolly, starting. "Oh no!"

"I beg your pardon. You ought to say 'Oh yes.' I have had experience. I
think you may trust me."

"Oh, I cannot. We have no right to let you do so."

"You have a right to make any use of me you can; for I place myself at
your disposal."

"You are _very_ kind, Mr. Shubrick!"

"Don't say anything more. That is settled," said he, taking up his cap,
as if in preparation for departure. Dolly was a little bewildered by
the quiet, decided manner, just like what she remembered of Mr.
Shubrick; unobtrusive and undemonstrative, but if he moved, moving
straight to his goal. She rose as he rose.

"But," she stammered, "I don't think you can. Father likes nobody but
mother and me about him."

"He will like me to-morrow," Mr. Shubrick answered with a smile. "Don't
fear; I will manage that."

"You are very kind!" said Dolly. "You are very kind!"--Already her
heart was leaping towards this offered help, and Mr. Shubrick looked so
resolute and strong and ready; she could hardly oppose him. "But you
are _too_ kind!" she said suddenly.

"No," said he gravely; "that is impossible. Remember, in the family we
belong to, the rule is one which we can never reach. 'That ye love one
another, even as I have loved you.'"

What it was, I do not know, in these words which overcame Dolly. In t