"No doubt you are disappointed, but didn't it strike you your mother must be disappointed, too? I think you've done wrong, Jack, not to stand by her and make things as easy as you could for her." Poor little Jack! Everybody seemed against him! "What did Mrs. Colston say to you?" the aunt continued. "Just what you do," he answered, and then sighed deeply. "Ah! I thought she would. Your mother must be as disappointed in you as you are in your father, and I'm sure Mrs. Colston would say we disappointed God as much as we disappoint one another." In less than an hour love for his mother had overcome all pride, disappointment and anger, and he was back home again. Nanna met him with a smile. "Well done, Jack; you've scored a victory, I can tell it by your face. Mummy will be delighted! Jack, dear, it will do your heart good to see her loving patience. She makes me think of God. Her patience and love are just like what His must be--only, of course, His are bigger. I tell you what you must do when you go upstairs. Don't make any note of your father's funny ways; take notice only of how your mother's trying to win him----" "Should I go upstairs now?" "No, your father's dozing. Sit down and have some breakfast. I don't suppose you ate much while your burden was on you. Jack, have you ever heard of St. Bernard's Hospice?" "Yes, I've seen a picture of it." "The monks go out with their dogs in the winter to see if they can come across anybody perishing in the snow. They are love-missionaries. I think this house is a hospice just now. Your mummy's found a poor perishing soul, and she's brought it home to get it ready for heaven." "Is father going to die?" "Yes; I'm afraid he's not long for this world--the doctor says about a week; so you and I have got to do all we can to help mummy." "What can I do?" "A lot. Do what mummy does; show all the love you can." It was not until Ralph had finished his breakfast that he asked: "And how are the children?" "There's only one left down here." "Which one?" "The boy." "Well, it's a comfort it's the boy. I expect Washington is a fine lad by now!" "Washington!"--the name slipped out involuntarily, it sounded so strange. "Yes, Washington; that's the lad's name, and the one I mean to call him by. You can fetch me up the books now." Going downstairs she caught sight of Jack. "Mummy," exclaimed the lad, rushing towards her, "I'm so sorry I disappointed you! I couldn't stop away from you. I'll do what you want me to do, and I'll stand by you through thick and thin, that I will. You'll see if I won't," and the bargain was sealed with a hug and a kiss. He was received back without one word of reproach. "Jack, if your father calls you by your other name you must not express any surprise. I can get along fine now you are with me."