"I think I shall go," said Sibyl, after a pause. "Everything is ready but the pearls; I can buy them any time." "I hope you will enjoy the summer, my dear," said Aunt Faith, taking her niece's hand affectionately. "Then you approve of my going, Aunt?" "You must make your own decision, Sibyl. No one can aid you in such a question as this," replied Aunt Faith gravely. Sibyl sat awhile in silence; then she rose and left the room. An hour or two afterwards, Bridget came upstairs to tell Aunt Faith that Mr. Leslie wished to see her; she went down, somewhat surprised at so early a call, and found the young clergyman waiting for her in the parlor. "Mrs. Sheldon," he said, after the first words of greeting, "poor Margaret Brown is in great trouble. You remember our conversation about her yesterday? Calling in to tell her of it this morning, I found two of the children stricken down with fever, seriously ill, the doctor says; and I have come directly to you for aid; to you and Miss Warrington." "Sibyl has gone out, Mr. Leslie, but I shall be glad to do anything I can. Shall I go there at once, or send a nurse?" "I hardly know yet; I came to talk the matter over with you. I do not like to ask you to go there, for the fever may be dangerous, and yet Margaret needs sympathy as much as money. Perhaps if they could all be moved into a purer air,--into the country, for instance,--away from that crowded neighborhood, it would be the wisest course." "But can the sick children bear a journey now?" "I think they could go a few miles in an easy carriage, but, as they are growing worse every hour, it must be done at once if done at all. Do you know of any farm-house where they could be received for a time?" "Mr. Green might take them," said Aunt Faith; "he would probably expect ample payment, however. Mr. Leslie, I am sorry I cannot give you _carte blanche_; but owing to outside circumstances, I have but a small sum at my disposal at present." "We will put our means together, Mrs. Sheldon. I have something laid by, and perhaps Miss Warrington will assist us." "Sibyl has other uses for her money, I fear." "Surely none more worthy than this, Mrs. Sheldon." Aunt Faith grew somewhat impatient. "Mr. Leslie," she said emphatically, "you do not understand my niece." "I think I understand Miss Warrington's character, and I think she will help Margaret Brown," replied the young clergyman gravely. At this moment a step on the gravel-walk was heard, and Sibyl herself crossed the piazza and entered the hall. "Have you been down town, Sibyl?" asked Aunt Faith. "Yes, aunt," replied Sibyl, coloring slightly, as she returned Mr. Leslie's greeting. "Have you made any purchases?" continued Aunt Faith, glancing at an oblong box in her niece's hand. Sibyl hesitated; then, as if impelled by a sudden impulse, she took off the wrapping-paper and opened the case. "I have bought my pearls at last, Aunt Faith. Are they not beautiful?" she said.