"I should like to come beyond anything," said Effie. "It is the very highest wish of my heart. The last night that I ever saw my dear father he spoke to me on this subject. He used to hate lady-nurses, but you won him over, Dorothy, and he said, if the time came, I could go with his blessing." "Then surely that settles the matter," exclaimed Dorothy. "I'll speak to Mrs. Staunton before I leave to-day." "Oh, no; don't! Mother seems quite happy and comfortable. I would not for the world do anything to upset or distress her." "If it upsets and distresses her, you must give it up, that's all," said Dorothy, "but it is worth sounding her on the subject. Don't say a word, Effie, I'll speak to your mother about it." Effie looked puzzled and anxious. "I would give anything to go," she murmured to herself. "It is torture to live on here, thinking of nothing but how to make a hundred pounds a year pay everything that is expected of it. Then I should be one off the family purse, for all my expenses would be paid by the hospital. Yes, surely it must be right. At any rate, I'll allow Dorothy to speak." When tea was over, George, who had come in, and was as usual devoting himself to his mother, tried to coax her to come out with him a little. "No, not to-night," said Dorothy suddenly. "I have something very special to say to Mrs. Staunton--perhaps you would stay and listen too, George?" George did not mind being called by his Christian name by Dorothy. She was regarded by the Stauntons as part and parcel of the family. "I'll do anything to oblige you," he said, giving the handsome nurse a look of genuine admiration. "Come, mother, if we are not to go out, we can at least sit near each other." He drew up a chair close to his mother as he spoke, and put one of his arms round her neck. She leaned her head on his shoulder, and sat there in perfect content. After a time one of his strong hands closed over hers. She had never, even in the doctor's time, felt more warmly and happily protected. "Yes, Dorothy, what have you to say?" she remarked. "George and I are all attention." "George and you!" laughed Dorothy. "I never saw such a devoted pair. Why, you are just like a pair of lovers." "Well, we are lovers, aren't we, mother?" said the son. "Yes, my boy," she replied. "No love was ever stronger than that which binds us together." "I love to hear you say that," remarked Dorothy; "but now I want to talk on quite another matter. I am very anxious about Effie." "Effie!" said Mrs. Staunton, just glancing at her daughter. "What about her? She seems quite well. Are you well, Effie?" "Yes, mother, I am perfectly well," replied Effie. "Oh, it is not that," said Dorothy, a touch of scorn coming into her voice. "Effie may be well in body, but she is just starved in soul." "Starved!" said Mrs. Staunton, with a start "What do you mean, Dorothy?" "Oh, never mind her, please, mother," said Effie in distress. "I am all right, really."