"Another month glided by, and by some means or other John Ross still struggled on, even hopefully, for his wife had grown almost strong again, and her strength gave energy to him in his efforts. "They were seated at breakfast once more, when Mrs Ross spoke. "`Such sad news, dear.' "`What is it?' said her husband, not raising his eyes from the paper. "`You remember saying that the Westerns, with their wealth, did not know care?' "`Ah--yes! one says plenty of stupid and bitter things when in trouble,' said John Ross. `But what is it?' "`Jane tells me their little boy is dying.' "`Never!' exclaimed Mr Ross, starting. `What, that fine little fellow that looked heartiest of the hearty?' "`I fear so. Jane heard it from one of the nurses, who says the Westerns are almost heart-broken, and the poor woman sobbed herself as she spoke of it. It seems that they wanted to have more advice, but Mr Tomkins said it was not necessary, and now it seems it is too late.' "`Poor little chap!' exclaimed Mr Ross, dropping his paper, and gazing towards the cradle where his own child lay, by whose side Mrs Ross was now kneeling, to assure herself of its safety. `Poor little chap!' he muttered again, and then aloud, `God forgive me, Hetty! What blind fools we are! and I was envious of those people.' "Father and mother were bending over the cradle, when there came the rattle of wheels, a horse was dragged upon his haunches at the gate, the bell rang furiously, and as Mr Ross hurriedly opened the door, the rich Mr Western seized him by both hands. "`For mercy's sake, Mr Ross, pray come! My poor boy's dying--half murdered by that man,' and before he could recover from his surprise the surgeon was hurried hatless into a brougham, thrust in almost by the excited father, the horse was flogged, and John Ross just had time to wave an adieu to his wife at the window before the carriage was turned, and they were going at full gallop through the town towards the Hall. "On their way Mr Ross learned all the particulars he could respecting the child's illness; how the family attendant had treated it as of little moment, and the child had gradually sunk, till as he finished his account Mr Western exclaimed, in a voice choked with emotion. "`And now I fear we are too late. Oh, that I had come last night!' "`Calm yourself,' said Mr Ross. `It may be that I could do no more than your regular attendant.' "`Don't tell me, sir!' exclaimed the father angrily. `My child has been neglected--shamefully neglected. That man came to my house last night from some public dinner, and I feel sure now, though I did not detect it then, that he was ignorant of what he was doing. But quick, sir, follow me!'