pring. She told him
of the faithful, loving service that had never flagged through weakness
and weariness. She assured him of the perfect confidence she placed in
her, saying she could not name one, even among her friends, to whom she
would so willingly leave the children in case of illness or absence from
them. She spoke with tears of little Harry's love for her, and of
Christie's untiring devotion to him through all his long illness, till
her voice lost itself in sobs of sorrow at the memories thus awakened.

Mr Lee did not listen unmoved. All unconsciously, his wife was giving
him a glimpse of her own sad experiences during the last few months.
Careless as he had grown, he could not listen without a pang, which was
half sorrow and half shame.

"My poor Letty!" he said, gently; "you have had a sad time. You have
indeed suffered much."

"Yes," she said, tearfully; "it has been a sorrowful time. But it is
over now. I would not have my loved ones back again even if I could. I
am glad for their sakes. Nothing can harm them where they are; and I
shall see them again."

There was a long pause. Then Mr Lee returned to the subject:

"But about your nurse. She really is a very sickly-looking girl. She
seems to me like one far gone in a decline. I am very sorry, as you
have found her so useful. But I cannot consent that you should go with
no more efficient help."

"But I don't think she is ill," said Mrs Lee, doubtfully. "She never
complains. She was always delicate-looking. I remember when she first
came, I quite hesitated about engaging her, she looked such a fragile
little creature. But no one would have thought her otherwise than
strong, and efficient too, who saw her through all our troubles."

"Well, to me she looks frightfully ill just now," said Mr Lee. "You
must at least speak to the doctor about her."

"She is tired now," replied Mrs Lee. "She has worn herself out--first
with me when I was ill and then with the children. A month at the
sea-side will quite revive her."

Mr Lee was not convinced.

"I feel that I ought to take her. She has wearied herself for us--
injured her health, perhaps. I ought to take her, even if we take
another servant."

Mr Lee alluded to the additional expense.

"Besides," he added, "it is doubtful when we may return. We may not
return here at all. We may see England before we see this place again.
It would never do for you to take the responsibility of