gly kept down. "He went to see some new fine
machinery in somebody's mill. Somehow, by some carelessness, his coat
got caught in the machinery; and before the works could be stopped his
leg was--fearfully broken." Dolly spoke with difficulty and making
great effort to master her agitation. The arms that held her felt how
she was quivering all over.

"When, Dolly? When did this happen?"

"Soon after we came home. It is six weeks ago now."

"How is your father now?"

"Doing very well; getting cured slowly. But he will never walk again
without--support. Oh, do you see how I am so sorry and glad together?
Isn't it dreadful, that I should be glad?"

She looked up now, for she would not distress Mr. Shubrick by giving
way to the tears which would have been a relief to herself. She looked
up with such a face! the eyes shining through tears, the mouth
trembling with a smile; sunshine and rain all in one glitter. "And
_that_ is the way he has been taken care of!" she said.

Mr. Shubrick stooped his face gently to hers with a mute, caressing
motion, leaving her time to get rid of those encumbering tears or to
shed more of them; waiting till the tremor subsided a little. Soon
Dolly spoke again.

"It has been such a weight on me--oh, such a weight! I could hardly
bear it sometimes. And now--this is better."

"Yes," he said.

"You had to know of it. I was very sorry!"

"Sorry that I should know?"

"Oh yes, yes! Sorry and ashamed. Sorry for you, too." Dolly's trembling
was excessive.

"Hush!" said Sandie softly. "What is yours is mine; sorrow and joy
together. I think I had better go and take up my old office of nurse
again."

"Oh," said Dolly, starting, and a glad tone coming into her voice,
"would you? How he would like that!"

"It must have been a little hard for them both to have you come away
just now. I think we will go and comfort them up, Dolly."

"You are very, very good!" said Dolly, with her eyes glistening, and
speaking from hearty conviction.

"Whom are you talking to? I have not heard my name yet."

"I have not got accustomed to you yet, you know," Dolly said with a
little nervous laugh. "Besides,--I never did."

"Never did what?"

"I never called you anything but--Mr. Shubrick."

"Christina did."

"Poor Christina!" said Dolly.

"Why?" said the other merrily. "She is the rich Mrs. St. Leger; why do
you say 'Poor Christina'?"

"I am afraid I have come between her and happiness," Dolly said