“There, love! do not go off into raptures this morning, I do implore you. Yes, Hagar, they are killing you; you are very delicate, always were, and within the last few weeks you have lost flesh and color very rapidly; the nursing of these two children is too great a draught upon your strength, it will break down your health.” “But, dear Raymond, you are mistaken. I am well and strong! thank God! _indeed_ I am. It is true that I am thin, I always _was_. I never was calm enough to get fat, but I do not think that want of flesh argues want of health _always_—in me I _know_ it does not. I have sound, unbroken health. I never had an ache or a pain in all my life—oh! except once,” she said, laughing and blushing—“nor even a feeling of languor. Fatigue after violent and long-continued exercise has only been a slight weariness soon agreeably lost in repose. God clothed my spirit in a good strong garment, and I have treated it well; though I have worn it every day, it is as fresh and new as a Maryland girl’s best Sunday frock.” “They are killing you, nevertheless, Hagar, I say! Your features are growing sharp, your hands,” and he took her delicate hand in his own, “your hands are nearly transparent, amberlike, and indeed the knuckles are growing prominent—come! Hagar, dear, you are growing ugly as well as ill, and, Hagar, it will not do. There is a feverishness in your manner also that is not healthful. Your devotion to these children is destroying you, and it must be moderated.” She looked at him with an expression of anxiety striking up through her brilliant eyes piercingly. He continued, “And, Hagar, it must be arrested.” “How? why? in what manner? in what degree? What _do_ you mean?” “I mean, love, that you must procure a substitute.” “A—_substitute_,” repeated she. “Yes, love, that is to say you must put the children out to nurse.” “Put them—put my two babies out to nurse—away from me,” faltered the young mother, growing very pale. “Yes, love, it is not an unusual thing among ladies in this section of the country—ladies especially of delicate organization as yourself; and in this case of _two_ children, Hagar, it is too much for you, and must not be thought of. Do not look so distressed, dear, it will be better for _you_, and better for them. Mrs. Collins will find some healthy and reliable woman who will be willing to take charge of them at a reasonable compensation, and who can be required to bring them often to see you. She must attend to it to-day. Come, Hagar, do not look so dejected; in a day or two you will grow accustomed to it, and be contented with knowing that they are well.” And he arose and was sauntering away. Now all the blood rushed back to her face, and starting up she caught his hand and drew him back to the side of the crib. Her bosom was heaving and setting, the color flashing in and out upon her cheek, but she controlled herself by a great effort, as, pointing to the children, she said,