"Perhaps so. Well, the first day that the weather is fine enough, and I am well enough, I will go out with you, and we will see about it." "I am afraid Dr. Green won't let you, Mamma." "I shall not ask him. I want to get you a Bible, and some other things that I will not leave you without, and nobody can do it but myself. I shall go, if I possibly can." "What other things, Mamma?" asked Ellen, very much interested in the subject. "I don't think it will do to tell you to-night," said Mrs. Montgomery, smiling. "I foresee that you and I should be kept awake too late if we were to enter upon it just now. We will leave it till to-morrow. Now read to me, love, and then to bed." Ellen obeyed; and went to sleep with brighter visions dancing before her eyes than had been the case for some time. CHAPTER III. The worth of a Finger-Ring. Ellen had to wait some time for the desired fine day. The equinoctial storms would have their way, as usual, and Ellen thought they were longer than ever this year. But after many stormy days had tried her patience, there was at length a sudden change, both without and within doors. The clouds had done their work for that time, and fled away before a strong northerly wind, leaving the sky bright and fair. And Mrs. Montgomery's deceitful disease took a turn, and for a little space raised the hopes of her friends. All were rejoicing but two persons — Mrs. Montgomery was not deceived, neither was the doctor. The shopping project was kept a profound secret from him, and from everybody except Ellen. Ellen watched now for a favourable day. Every morning as soon as she rose, she went to the window to see what was the look of the weather; and about a week after the change above noticed, she was greatly pleased one morning, on opening her window, as usual, to find the air and sky promising all that could be desired. It was one of those beautiful days in the end of September, that sometimes herald October before it arrives — cloudless, brilliant, and breathing balm. "This will do," said Ellen to herself, in great satisfaction — "I think this will do — I hope Mamma will think so."