When the potatoes and rice were boiling, she pounded the meat, to Bridget's great surprise, and laid it upon the gridiron to be ready for broiling; and then, seeing that the coal burned briskly, hurried off to set the table. But finding the servant had already been taught this operation by her young mistress, she resorted to the chamber; and faithful to her promise, softly kissed the sleeper's pale cheek. "I feel so much better. My sister has cured me," Gertrude said, pulling Marion's face down for a second embrace. This proved to be a day of pleasant surprises. Marion had assisted her new sister down stairs, where, with a pillow and shawl she was realizing how pleasant it was to be cared for once more, when another ring brought a hectic flush to her cheek. It is sad indeed for the wife, be she young or old, when she trembles with fear at the thought of meeting reproachful looks and hard words from her husband. "That's Paul," she said half aloud, rising and leaning on her elbow. But she was mistaken this time; it was not Paul. "Is Mrs. Dudley at home?" inquired a cheerful, manly voice of the waiting Bridget. "Yes, sir, she's at home; but I can't tell without asking whether she'll be able to see yerself." "Tell her, Mr. Wallingford, her brother, is here." "Och, sir! and that's the news I'll be proud to tell. Walk in, sir. Yer welcome as the morning sun." "Gerty, dear, I smell medicine. Are you ill?" he asked, opening the door and descrying her in the back parlor. He had no time to say more, the youthful figure bounded from the sofa and almost fell into his outstretched arms. "Oh, Edward!" was all she could say; but she nestled her head against his breast, and gazed into his face with such a loving, satisfied glance he needed no other assurance of welcome. "What is the matter, Gerty? Your heart is fluttering like a frightened bird," he said tenderly, seating her on the sofa and gazing sadly into her pale, wan face. "It is well Hannah is not here or she—" He stopped abruptly as she exclaimed, with a tear of joy: "It seems like a dream. I never expected to be so happy again." "Tell me all your trouble, little sister. I came a great many miles to satisfy myself whether Paul was keeping his promise." She went on in her childlike way to relate about the party; her sickness; the trouble she had experienced with servants, and the great kindness she had that morning received from Marion Gilbert, the daughter of their clergyman. "You have a servant now who seems attached to you," Mr. Wallingford answered gravely, recalling her characteristic welcome at the door. "Yes, she's as kind as can be. I do hope Paul will let me keep her. Marion says she's very teachable." "Why do you think he will not?" "She broke a glass dish. She is not generally careless; and he dismissed her." This was the only mention she had made of her husband. With a calm, steady gaze in her eyes her brother said: