on his way to dinner.

"Certainly, Miss Flint," replied the man, "with all pleasure; he has
usually gone with me readily, when you have left him in my care."
Gertrude then hastened to the school, rejoicing that Mr. Cooper would be
safe during the morning; and that Mrs. Sullivan would have the quiet she
so much needed.

This man was a respectable mason, who had often been in Mr. Graham's
employ, and whose good-will Gertrude had won by the kindness she had
shown his family during the previous winter, when they were sick. In her
daily walk past the church, she had oft seen Mr. Miller at work, and it
occurred to her that, if she could awaken in Mr. Cooper's mind an
interest in the new structure, he might find amusement in watching the
workmen. She had some difficulty in persuading him to visit a building
to the erection of which he had been opposed. Once there, he became
interested in the work, and as Mr. Miller tried to make him comfortable,
and made him believe that he was useful, he gradually acquired a habit
of passing the greater part of every morning in watching the workmen.
Sometimes Gertrude called for him on her return from school; and
sometimes Mr. Miller took him home.

Since Gertrude had been at Mrs. Sullivan's there was a great alteration
in Mr. Cooper. He was more manageable, and manifested less irritability,
and his favourable change, together with the cheering influence of
Gertrude's society, had produced a beneficial effect upon Mrs. Sullivan;
but within the last few days, her increased debility, and two sudden
attacks of faintness, had awakened Gertrude's fears. She determined, as
soon as she should be released from her school duties, to seek Dr.
Jeremy and request his attendance.

Of Gertrude's school-duties, she was found by Mr. W. competent to the
performance of them, and that she met with those trials only which all
teachers are subjected, from the idleness or stupidity of their pupils.
On this day she was detained to a later hour than usual, and the clock
struck two as she was ringing Dr. Jeremy's door-bell. The girl who
opened the door knew Gertrude, and telling her that, although the doctor
was just going to dinner, she thought he would see her, asked her into
the office. He advanced to meet Gertrude, holding out both his hands.
"Gertrude Flint, I declare!" exclaimed he. "Why, I'm glad to see you, my
girl. Why haven't you been here before, I should like to know?" Gertrude
explained that she was