he shall soon be better; but I
do not feel sure that she will, especially as she takes no care of
herself; and that is one reason I wish to be in town as soon as
possible. I am anxious to have Dr. Jeremy see her, and I can bring it
about without her knowing that he comes on her account."

"You speak confidently of being in town, Gertrude; so I suppose it is
all arranged."

"Oh, I have not told you, have I, about my visit to Mr. W.? Dear, good
man, how grateful I ought to be to him! He has promised me the
situation."

"I had no doubt he would, from what you told me he said to you at Mrs.
Bruce's."

"You hadn't, really! Why, Emily, I was almost afraid to mention it to
him. I couldn't believe he would have sufficient confidence in me; but
he was so kind! I hardly dare tell you what he said about my capacity to
teach, you will think me so vain."

"You need not tell me, my darling; I know from his own lips how highly
he appreciates your ability."

"Dear Uncle True always wanted me to be a teacher; it was the height of
his ambition. He would be pleased, wouldn't he, dear Emily?"

"Yes, proud to see you assistant in a school like Mr. W.'s. But he would
think as I do, that you are undertaking too much. You expect to be
occupied in the school the greater part of every morning, and yet you
propose to be nurse to Mrs. Sullivan, and guardian to her poor old
father. My dear child, you are not used to so much care, and I shall be
constantly troubled for you, lest your own health and strength give
way."

"Oh, dear Emily, there is no cause for any anxiety on my account. I am
well and strong, and capable of all that I have planned for myself. My
only trouble is in leaving you; and I fear you will miss me, and perhaps
feel as if----"

"I know what you would say, Gertrude. You need not fear that; I am sure
of your affection. I am sure you love me next to your duty, and I would
not that you should give me the preference. So dismiss that thought from
your mind, and do not believe that I would be selfish enough to desire
to retain you. I only wish, my dear, that for the present you had not
thought of entering the school. You might then have gone to Mrs.
Sullivan's, stayed as long as needed, and perhaps found, by the time we
are ready to start on our southern tour, that your services could be
dispensed with; in which case you could accompany us on a journey which
I am sure your health will by that time require."

"But, dear Emil