Dr. Hartwell did not reply; but, raising Beulah from the floor, placed her in the chair she had vacated some time before. She did, indeed, look "doleful," as Pauline expressed it, and the beaming, lovely face of the latter rendered her wan aspect more apparent. "What have you been doing all day?" said the doctor kindly. She pointed to the asylum, and answered in a low, subdued tone: "Thinking about my past life--all my misfortunes." "You promised you would do so no more." "Ah, sir! how can I help it?" "Why, think of something pleasant, of course," interrupted Pauline. "You never had any sorrows; you know nothing of suffering," replied Beulah, allowing her eyes to dwell on the fine, open countenance before her--a mirthful, sunny face, where waves of grief had never rippled. "How came you so wise? I have troubles sometimes, just like everbody else." Beulah shook her head dubiously. "Pauline, will you try to cheer this sad little stranger? will you be always kind in your manner, and remember that her life has not been as happy as yours? Can't you love her?" She shrugged her shoulders, and answered evasively: "I dare say we will get on well enough, if she will only quit looking so dismal and graveyardish. I don't know about loving her; we shall see." "You can go down to your mother now," said he gravely. "That means you are tired of me, Uncle Guy!" cried she, saucily shaking her curls over her face. "Yes, heartily tired of you; take yourself off." "Good-by, shadow; I shall come to see you again to-morrow." She reached the door, but looked back. "Uncle, have you seen Charon since you came home?" "No." "Well, he will die if you don't do something for him. It is a shame to forget him as you do!" said she indignantly. "Attend to your own affairs, and do not interfere with mine." "It is high time somebody interfered. Poor Charon! If Hal doesn't take better care of him, I will make his mother box his ears; see if I don't." She bounded down the steps, leaving her uncle to smooth his brow at leisure. Turning to Beulah, he took her hand, and said very kindly: