"I fear I have been very blind—culpably blind," said Mr. Ferrand, almost for the first time in his life admitting that he might be in the wrong. "I thought Doctor Morton extremely unfeeling in hinting that I had injured my son, but I fear it is true, and that I have destroyed both my children." "Isa is in no danger of dying," said Doctor Douglass, gravely. "If she were, it would not matter so much." "I understand you," returned Mr. Ferrand. "Death would indeed be a light calamity compared to—But I cannot think of it. Henry, can anything be done, or is the case hopeless? I have the fullest confidence in your judgment, and will spare no trouble or expense. A journey abroad, now—" "I shouldn't advise that," said Doctor Douglass—"it involves too much fatigue and excitement; and besides, you never could refrain from 'improving her mind.' Let me consider." He stood looking out of the window for a few minutes at Isa and Rhoda, who were playing croquet on the lawn. Then, as if the sight had inspired him with the idea he wanted, he turned to Mr. Ferrand, who stood the picture of distress: "Why not leave her here with Harriet? She has a deal of sense in managing delicate girls, and makes a kind of specialty of it. I made Sellers send his daughter down here, and I never saw a child improve faster. Isa seems devoted to this Miss Thurston, who is a fine, sensible young woman, and evidently very much attached to your daughter. She told me in a conversation I had with her that she would do anything for Isa. Let Isa stay here and room with Miss Thurston, who will watch over her and keep her infirmity a secret from herself—a thing to be desired above all things. Let her have some easy lessons as a pretence of employment, with abundance of ease and idleness. The place is healthy and the atmosphere of the house pleasant and cheerful. I don't think you can do better than that." "Perhaps Harriet might not be willing to accept such a charge, or Miss Thurston, either," said Mr. Ferrand. "That we can tell by asking. They ought to understand the whole matter beforehand." Miss Hardy was a little startled at first, but she loved her niece and sister, and was not one of those who set their own ease and convenience above everything else. She consented to receive Isa, if Rhoda would room with her and take charge of her. Rhoda, on her part, did not hesitate an instant. She loved Isa dearly, and felt that to her and her mother she owed all her present advantages. "You can have the room which was Miss Farly's last year," said Miss Hardy. "It is pleasant and sunny, and somewhat out of the way of the rest of the house. A great deal will depend on you, Rhoda." "I know it," said Rhoda. "It is a great trust, but I will do my best; and even if poor Isa is not cured, she will be happy here." "And that is half the battle," observed Doctor Douglass.