"There is no one in the world like him; he is the best, the noblest, the most unselfish of men!" But here, with a sudden feeling of remorse, she stopped. The contrast between her bright home and the gloomy home of her sister struck her with painful force; to speak of the joys of the one seemed to accentuate the miseries of the other. "Go on, dear," said Mrs. Farebrother, gently; "it does not hurt me, indeed it does not; I have grown so used, in other homes, to what you see around you here that custom has made it less bitter than it once was. It makes me happy to hear of your happiness, and it holds out a glad prospect that my dear child, when she grows up, may have a little share in it." "She shall, she shall; I promise it solemnly." "Thank you, dear. So you must go on telling me of your good husband. He is still in his bank?" "Yes, dear; and hopes for a rise before long. He is always full of hope, and that is worth a great deal--it means so much! He thinks of nothing but his home, and those in it. He dotes upon the children." "The dear children! Are they well and strong?" "Yes, dear; and they grow prettier and prettier every day." "You must kiss them fondly for me, and give them my dear love." "I will be sure to. You must not talk any more just now; you are tired out. Try and sleep." "I think I shall be able. God bless you, dear!" "God bless you, dearest!" In a few moments, the tension of anxious watching and waiting being over, Mrs. Farebrother slept. Her sister gazed at her solicitously and mournfully. At such a time the cherished memories of old are burdened with a sadness which weighs heavily upon the heart. "She is not so ill as she fancies, is she?" It was Miser Farebrother who spoke to her. She rose softly, and led him from the bed, so that their conversation should not disturb the sufferer. "Why did you not send me a telegram instead of a letter?" "A telegram!" he cried. "Do you think I am made of money?" "I am not thinking of your money: I am thinking of my sister. What does the doctor say?" "The doctor!" he exclaimed. "I have none." Gentle-natured as she was, she looked at him in horror. "You have none--and my sister dying!" "It is not true," he whined, thinking of the inconvenience such an event would cause him; "it cannot be true. She was well a few days ago. I cannot afford doctors. You are all in a conspiracy to rob me!" "I was told as I came along that this great house is yours." "Yes, it is--my property, my own." "And a great deal of land around, and everything in the place." "Yes, it is--all mine, all mine!" And then, with a sudden suspicion, "Do you intend to dispute it?" "Heaven forbid! What is it to do with me--except that when you speak of ruin to me, and of not being able to afford a doctor, you are speaking what is false. Why did you marry?"