r now. I shall soon be quite strong."

The little boy stirred in his crib, and his eyes opened languidly.
Christie was at his side in a moment. To the astonishment of his
sister, he suffered himself to be lifted out and dressed without his
usual fretful cry.

"How nicely you manage him!" she said, at last. "This used to be a
troublesome business to all concerned."

Christie did, indeed, manage nicely. Her experience with the little
Lees stood her in good stead now. She was very quick, and gentle and
firm with the little boy, beguiling him from his fretfulness by little
tales or questions, or merry childish talk, till the last string was
tied and the last of his beautiful curls arranged. Then he was put in
his favourite place among the cushions of the great chair, and the chair
was drawn close to the window. Gertrude leaned over him for a moment,
and then, kneeling down, she kissed his little white hands, and stroked
his thin, pale face, her own looking grave enough all the while.

"He scarcely knows me now," she said. "He has almost forgotten me since
he has been so ill. But we shall be friends again, my dear little
brother."

"Where's Clement?" asked the child. "_He_ is _your_ little boy."

"Oh, but I want two little boys. I want a little boy to take care of
and love with all my heart--a gentle, patient little boy, who doesn't
fret and cry when he is dressed, any more. I want a little boy to take
into the garden in his little carriage, and to be my little boy always."

"Christie takes me into the garden. I like Christie she's good."

"I'm quite sure of it," said Miss Gertrude. "Listen: There is Clement.
Shall I open the door and call him in, if he will promise to be good?"

What a contrast they made! The cheeks of one flushed with health, his
bright eyes dancing with happiness, the other--oh, so wan and thin and
fragile! Miss Gertrude's eyes filled with tears as she tried to
restrain Clement's eager caresses. They were very glad to see each
other. Climbing up into the chair beside him, Clement put his arms
round his brother's neck and stroked his cheeks.

"You'll soon be well now, Claudie," he said, "and we'll go and see the
pony. Oh, such a fine fellow as he is! You're getting well now, aren't
you?" he added, wistfully.

"Yes, I'm well; but I am too tired," said Claude, laying himself back
among the pillows, with a sigh. Miss Gertrude lifted Clement down, and
held him firmly, saying: