of the other children. It would do her more
harm than good to be troubled with the boys on the journey or at a
strange watering-place, and as for them, home was the best place for
both. He assured her that her anxiety for Claude was unnecessary. He
was in no immediate danger. It might be months, or even years, before
he would be quite well again. He might never be so strong and healthy
as his brother. But there was no danger for him. Quiet and constant
care were what he needed; and they could be found best at home.

"Come here, my little man," said he, "and let me prove to your mother
that you are going to be quite well again, and that very soon, too."

Claude had been sitting on the balcony into which the windows of the
green room opened, and he came forward, led by Christie, at the doctors
desire. After a minute's talk with the child, his eye fell on her.

"What! are you here? I thought you had been far enough away by this
time. How came you to leave your charge?"

Christie came forward shyly, looking at Mrs Seaton.

"Mr Lee thought her not strong enough," said Mrs Seaton. "There was
no other one to go; and she hardly seemed fit for the charge of all."

"Humph! He has made a mistake or two before in his lifetime--and so has
she, for that matter," said the doctor, with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Mrs Lee didn't know when they would come back again, and she didn't
like to take me so far-away," said Christie; "and I was very sorry."

"And so you are to be Claude's nurse, it seems?"

Christie looked at Mrs Seaton.

"She came, in the meantime, to go out with Clement and to help in the
nursery generally. I have kept Claude with me altogether of late." And
as Christie took the little boy to the balcony again, she added, "I
don't see how I can leave him. Poor little fellow! He will let no one
care for him but me."

The doctor shook his head.

"That may be very well for him, but it is very bad indeed for you.
Indeed, it must not be. Let me make a plan for you. You can quite
safely leave him with this new nurse. I would recommend her among a
thousand--"

"A child like that!" interrupted Mrs Seaton.

"A child in appearance, I grant, but quite a woman in sense and
patience. She has surprised me many a time."

"But she has had no experience. She cannot know--"

"Oh, that is the best of it. She will do as she is bidden. Save me
from those `experienced' persons who have wisdom enough for ten