"O, mother dear, we have had a great many mercies," said Sally; "and your life is not ended. I hope your good times are yet to come." "Well, maybe so, if Mrs. Travilla can help us to the medical aid we need, and put us in the way of earning a good living afterward." "I shall do my best for you in both respects," Elsie said kindly, accepting a chair Sally set for her near the bed. "I knew you would; you were always generous," remarked her ci-devant governess; "prompt too in bestowing your favors. But it is easy to be generous with a large and well-filled purse." "Very true," Elsie answered with a smile. "And now what can I do for you? Ah I had forgotten. Mrs. Ross, hearing you were ill, and knowing that to the sick something sent by a neighbor was often more relished than home food, however nice, put a basket of dainties into the phaeton." Stepping to the door, she signed to the servant, who immediately brought in a hamper of provisions such as had not been seen under that roof for many months. Mrs. Gibson's eyes glistened at sight of a basket of fine fresh fruit and a bowl of delicious custard. "I will go now and call again to-morrow," Elsie said, as the man carried away the empty hamper. Grasping Sally's hand cordially in parting, she left something in it. "Mother!" cried the girl, breathlessly, holding it up to view, "it's a check for a hundred dollars!" "'Tisn't possible! let me see!" cried Mrs. Gibson laying down the spoon with which she was eating raspberries and custard, and holding out her hand for the check. "Yes, so it is! what a godsend! I didn't think even she was so generous. But dear me, she's rolling in wealth, and it's no more to her, or even as much as ten cents would be to you or me." "Oh, mother!" said Sally, reproachfully, "we have no claim on her; and if she has a good deal of money, she must have hundreds of calls for it." "No claim on her? why people take care of old servants, and a governess ought to be considered of a good deal more account." "Tom mustn't know about this, mother." "No, indeed! the greater part of it would soon go for liquor or at the gambling table, if he did. Here give it to me, and I'll hide it under my pillow." The saucer of berries was scarcely disposed of, before a second visitor arrived. Dr. Morton was considered the most skilful practitioner in the neighborhood. Mrs. Travilla meeting him on the way in returning to the Crags, had begged him to take charge of Mrs. Gibson's case, and also to look at Sally's eyes; engaging to settle his bill herself. On his way home he called at the Crags with his report. The mother, he said, was very much out of health, but not incurable; he had promised to send her some medicine. A month or two at the seashore would do her good; perhaps restore her entirely." "Then she must go," said Elsie, "I will at once see what arrangements can be made. But now, what of the girl, doctor?" "She seems in pretty good health." "But her eyes?"