e as usual the
next day.

When they had gone she shed a few bitter tears at the necessity which
the circumstances imposed upon her of working while her heart revolted
at the idea of being anywhere but at the bedside of her sick mother.
Then she lamented that they had not dispensed with many articles of
luxury while they had plenty of money, and saved more of it for such a
sad time as the present. But it was of no use to repine; she had only
to make the best of her situation.

Amid all these discouragements came a bright ray of sunshine--the
brightest that could possibly have shone on the pathway of the weeping
daughter.

Early in the forenoon came the physician who carefully examined his
patient, speaking cheerfully and kindly to her all the while. The
sufferer watched his expression very narrowly, as he bent over her and
questioned her in regard to her pains. He looked very serious, which
Mrs. Redburn interpreted as unfavorable to her recovery, not
considering that he was engaged in profound thought, and therefore his
countenance would naturally wear an earnest look. Presently she sent
Katy to get her some drink, not because she wanted it, but to procure
her absence for a short time.

"Do you think I shall get well?" asked Mrs. Redburn, as soon as the
door closed behind Katy.

"A person who is very sick, is of course, always in danger, which may
be more or less imminent," replied the doctor, with professional
indirectness.

"I beg of you, doctor, do not conceal from me my true situation."

"I cannot foresee the result, my good woman."

"Do you think there is any hope for me?"

"Certainly there is."

"Tell me, I implore you, what you think of my case," pleaded the
sufferer, in feeble tones. "I felt this morning that my end was very
near."

"O, no; it is not so bad as that. I should say you had as many as five
chances in ten to be on your feet in a fortnight."

"Do you think so?"

"I do not regard your case as a critical one."

"I wish you had told me so last night. It would have saved my poor
child a very bitter pang."

"I was not aware that you thought yourself alarmingly sick, or I
certainly should; for such an opinion on your part would do more to
bring about a fatal result than could be counteracted by the most
skilful treatment. A physician does not hold the issues of life and
death; he can only assist nature, as the patient may by a cheerful view
of his case. This is not your old complaint; y