t the dear old times before
there was a Jasper."

"Judy," said Hilda, "there is just one thing I should like to say to
you. Even if it gives you pain, I ought to remind you, my darling, that
Jasper is my husband; that I love him. Oh! Judy, Judy, my heart aches
with love to him. My heart aches because I love my husband so much."

Judy clenched her hands; a great wave of crimson swept over her face.
Hilda had hidden her own face in her hands, and did not notice the
child's agitation. Presently the little sister's hand softly touched her
forehead.

"And you're lonely to-night, poor Hilda, because your Jasper is away?"

"Yes, Judy, it's true. I'm afraid even to tell you how lonely I am."

"And you've been trying to seem cheerful, just to please me."

"And to please myself too," said Hilda, starting up and wiping the tears
from her eyes. "There, we won't talk about it any more; we'll go on
pretending that we are having an awfully jolly time."

"You're very brave, Hilda," said Judy; "and when people are brave,
things generally come right. Now, may I sit on your knee, just as if I
were a baby instead of a tall girl with long legs? _I_ wouldn't make you
unhappy, Hilda darling. When there's an inevitable I must face it; I
must, and you will see that I will. Jack the Giant Killer shan't beat
_me_ over difficulties when I've made up my mind."

"Judy, your face is flushed, and your eyes are too bright; that strong
coffee was bad for you, you won't sleep to-night."

"I dare say I shan't sleep; but now let us talk of old times."

"Only for a few moments, dear; you look so excited that I shall not
rest until I see you safely in bed."

Judy laughed, and declared stoutly that she never felt better.

Half an hour afterward she went up to her pretty little bedroom, Hilda
promising to follow her in about a quarter of an hour, if she possibly
could.

When the elder sister entered the room, she found Judy standing by her
bed in her frilled night-dress.

"You will get cold, love--do get into bed," said Hilda.

"I want to say my prayers to you, Hilda, if you don't mind," said Judy,
"just as I used when I was a very little girl."

"Of course, darling, if you wish it."

Hilda sat down, and the little sister knelt at her knee.

The old baby prayers were said aloud; but suddenly, in the midst of
them, Judy bent her head and murmured something which Hilda could not
hear.

She jumped up a moment later and put her arms round he