write about again."

"MY DARLING HILDA:

"Now don't be frightened, my dear, but I have something to tell
you which I think you ought to know. Our dear little Judy
fainted in a rather alarming way in church yesterday. Of course
we sent for the doctor, and he says she is very weak, and must
stay in bed for a day or two. He says we need not be alarmed,
but that her strength is a good deal run down, and that she must
have been fretting about something. It just shows how little
doctors know, for I _never_ saw the child sweeter, or more
gentle, or more easily amused. You know what a troublesome
little creature she used to be, always flashing about and
upsetting things, and bringing all kinds of obnoxious insects
into the house; but she has been just like a lamb since your
wedding, sitting contentedly by my side, looking over her fairy
story-books, and assuring me she wasn't fretting in the least
about you, and that she was perfectly happy. Babs did say that
she heard her crying now and then at night, but I fancy the
child must have been mistaken, for Judy certainly would not
conceal any trouble from me. I will write to you again about her
to-morrow. She directed this envelope to you herself yesterday
morning before church, so I am slipping my letter into it. Don't
be frightened, dear, we are taking all possible care of her.

"Your affectionate
"AUNT MARJORIE."

"There," said Hilda, looking up with a queer, terrified expression in
her eyes, "I knew how it would be. I married Jasper to please myself,
and I have killed Judy. Judy's heart is broken. Oh, what shall I do,
Milly, what shall I do?"

"Let me read Aunt Marjorie's letter," said Mildred.

Her quick, practical eyes glanced rapidly over the old lady's illegible
writing.

"I don't think you have killed her, Hilda," said Miss Anstruther then,
"but she is simply fading away for want of the love which was her life.
Go back to her; go back at once, and she will revive. Come, there is not
a moment to be lost. I'll run out and send a telegram to Little
Staunton. I'll tell them to expect you this evening. Where's an A B C?
Have you got one?"

"I think there is one on the wagon in the dining room. I'll fetch it."

Hilda ran out of the room; she brought back the time-table in a moment.
Her face was white; her hands shook so that she could