"Poor dear Amy, how sad for her. Ah! there's the carriage at last; how delightful! Mr. Russell could not have been at home." And away she flew down the stairs, and stood impatiently on the terrace. "My dear Thomas," she exclaimed, "how slowly you drive. I always tell you you indulge the pony fearfully when I am not with you." Mr. Hall looked in surprise at his wife's anxious face. "Why, Anne," he said, "I had no idea you were in such a desperate hurry to return home, or I might have driven a little quicker." "Return," she cried, "I am not thinking of such a thing. I want to stay for a week, if you will only let me, and Isabella does not object; you can go and arrange it with her presently," said she, in her impetuous way. "But I have yet to hear why I am to do all this," returned her husband. "Ah, I forgot! It's because poor Amy Vavasour's child, that little boy we saw when we were last here, is dying of some fever. They say it's infectious, but you will not mind that, will you? I am not a bit afraid, and I do so want to comfort Amy." Mr. Hall looked very grave. "Oh, don't consider about it," she said, "you can stay, too, you know; there is no reason why you should go home before Saturday." "It is not that," he replied, "but this fever is infectious, Anne, and you will be running a great risk." "Do not think about it, Tom. I shall fret myself into a worse fever at home, and besides, think of poor Amy. I do not believe you can be so hard-hearted as to refuse me." So in the end, much against his wish, Mr. Hall yielded, and while he went to propose the plan to Mrs. Linchmore Anne went off on her mission of mercy, and was repaid by the sad smile, and almost glad light in Amy's eyes as she greeted her. Anne was shocked at the change in the boy; shocked too, with the mother's wan, haggard look. "My Mistress hasn't been in bed for these two nights past, Miss," said Nurse, interpreting Anne's thoughts. Not for two nights? It was absolutely necessary she should have some repose; so Anne set herself to work to accomplish it. "Why not lie down, Amy, while your boy is asleep?" "Impossible!" was the firm reply, "I could not." "But you will wear yourself out, you cannot possibly be of any use while he sleeps. I will sit by him for you, and call you the moment he wakes." "No, I must be by him when he wakes, I could not bear to think he looked at anyone else first; he has not known me for so long, that my heart is craving for some sign to show that he recognises me." This was conclusive, and Anne urged no more, but Robert said, "I think Mrs. Hall is right, Amy, in advising you to rest." "But I cannot leave the room, indeed I cannot." "There is no occasion for your doing so, you can lie on Hannah's bed." Anne expected a fresh expostulation, but no, Amy moved away at once, and did as her husband wished. "Where can I find a shawl for Amy, Mr. Vavasour?" said Anne, presently, "she will be frozen over there, without some wrap."