quietly slipped himself into his bedroom he retired to his couch;
but there was no rest there for his unhappy soul, which, even during a
few moments of slumber was distracted with dreams of the most hideous
character imaginable.

Next morning Fred was not astir as usual. His mother, at length,
dreading increased illness as the cause, entered his room. Fred looked
up with a woe-begone countenance, which of itself was sufficient to
verify her apprehensions.

"Are you worse, Fred?" his mother interrogated. "I don't feel quite as
well, mother," he replied.

"Ah, Fred, I thought you would get more cold by going out last evening,"
said she. "Why Fred, my son, you are quite feverish," she exclaimed
resting her hand upon his forehead. "I shall get father to go for Dr.
Guernsey immediately."

"Mother, I beg of you not to do so, my throat is not worse. The want of
sufficient sleep last night has had a tendency to make me feel
debilated. Rather bring me a cup of coffee than send for the doctor."

Mrs. Charlston at once hurried to the kitchen and told Amelia to prepare
a strong cup of coffee and a slice of toast as quickly as possible.
Shortly afterwards Mrs. C. entered Frederick's room with the coffee and
toast, followed by his father and sisters.

Fred strengthened himself for the occasion. He rose up on the bed quite
vigorously, and took breakfast with an apparently good appetite. His
mother having cooled his face with a wet towel he laid himself down to
repose, and the others withdrew from the room. Ere long the tender
finger of nature closed his weary eyelids, and during nearly all the
rest of the day poor Fred lay calmly enlocked in the arms of sleep.

On the following morning Fred was considerably better, and continued in
a convalescent state.

However, he kept himself closely confined to his room for several days.
On the second evening Clara called to see the child; and on the
following, Charlie also made a visit, as he said, to see Fred; but
neither of them saw him as his room-door was locked, and he was supposed
to be fast asleep. In less than a week afterwards Clara again called.
Fred was in the sitting-room when she entered; but, on seeing her, he
instantly sprang from his seat, and without opening his lips, abruptly
left the room.

Clara at once discovered in his appearance and actions that something of
a serious nature had effected these results. However, she endeavored as
well as she could to restrain her