It was nearly dark when the doctor came in again, and the little boy had
fallen into an uneasy slumber. The doctor started slightly when he saw
Christie, and said, rather hastily--

"I thought I told you to keep away?"

The child stirred and murmured as the light was brought in, and Christie
hushed him softly; but she made no reply. Mrs Lee spoke for her:

"But he was so restless, doctor, and seemed so uncomfortable after you
went away; and we could do nothing to quiet him till Christie took him.
He is very fond of her."

The doctor laid his hand on the hot forehead of the little patient, but
his eye was on Christie.

"Have you ever had the fever?" he asked.

"I am not sure. I think I had it when I was a child. But I am not
afraid of it."

"When you were a child! That could not have been a long time ago, I
should imagine," said the doctor, smiling a little, as he looked into
the earnest face turned towards him. "But I dare say you will do as
well for Harry as Nurse Greenly herself could do."

"Is he in danger? Is he worse than Letty was?" asked his mother.

"Oh, no! He is by no means so ill as she was at one time," said the
doctor, cheerfully. "And a fine rugged little fellow like Harry may get
through much better than his sister. But, at the same time, this fever
sometimes becomes more severe as the season advances, and it is as well
to keep the other children away. Not that I think there is any
particular danger for any of them--even the baby; but being weaned so
young, and her teeth coming, it is as well to be cautious. So if
Christie is to nurse Harry, she may as well have nothing to do with the
baby--or the boys."

Mrs Lee looked still harassed and anxious.

"There is no harm done," continued the doctor, soothingly. "If Christie
has to be with the other children, she should not be with Harry. But if
Harry is so fond of her, perhaps she had better stay with him to-night,
at any rate. I dare say you can manage without her up-stairs for one
night?"

"Oh, yes! we can do very well," said Mrs Lee.

"When do you expect Mr Lee home?" asked the doctor.

Mrs Lee shook her head. "I have been expecting him every day for a
week. He must come soon, now, or write. He has not yet heard of
Letty's illness. I was so glad it was over before he came! and now
Harry, and perhaps the others--" She stopped short, but soon added, "I
hope nurse will not need to go."

"No, it's not likely; and even if s