ce the speech and the
manner were both kind, and kindness was the first thing needed.

Mrs. Clarkson looked at her with a mixed expression of gratitude and
eagerness.

"It's not for me, miss," she said earnestly, "but for the poor little
ones. I used to be a good one to work, but, you see, I can't work for
'em now--not at present."

And tears of extreme weakness filled her eyes.

Lucia laid her hand softly on the thin fingers that lay nervously
catching at the edge of the sheet.

"Don't be the least afraid about them," she answered. "Mamma and the
doctor will see that they are taken care of; only we thought you would
be glad to know that people were thinking about them. There is another
visitor here who can do you more good than I can--Mrs. Morton."

Lucia moved aside, and Bella took her place. Mrs. Clarkson looked up
anxiously, with her whole desire written on her pale face, and was
answered at once,

"You must make haste and get well," Bella said with a smile. "As soon as
you are able, I want to talk to you about business. You will have to
manage all the improvements I am going to make."

"Me? But you don't mean to let us stay?"

"Indeed I do."

The poor woman tried to cover her eyes with her thin hand, but had not
strength. She whispered, "Thank God," as the heavy drops rolled from
under her quivering eyelids.

"I am going away directly," Bella said, "because you ought to rest; but
I want you to understand first, that I have not the least intention of
disturbing you in your house. We have both paid dearly enough for our
connection. It shall rest now without any further dispute. I will come
again and see you. About money, it will be quite time enough to think
when you are better. Try to keep free from anxiety for these little
ones' sakes."

She was still holding the baby, soothing it with a gentle rocking
motion; and so she moved round again from the bedside and stood by the
stove. The child seemed to be asleep, and, reluctant to disturb it, she
still delayed giving it up, though it was time to go away. The nurse had
lingered for a moment tending the mother; then she came and stood ready
to take the child. Both were looking down on the pale little face, when
they saw it suddenly change. All at once the eyes opened wide, the
muscles were drawn and contracted, a line of foam started out between
the lips. One violent convulsion passed over the limbs, then they fell
loose and nerveless; the eyes closed, th