"About an hour after you left the house, the matron of the Asylum sent to inquire whether you were aware of his absence, and to notify you that your little sister Jessie is quite ill. I was searching for you, when I accidentally found these lambs, deserted by their mother. Thank you, Stanley; I will put up the bars, and you can go to the house with your sister. Salome, the carriage is ready, and if you desire to see Jessie immediately I will take you over as soon as possible. There is a full moon, and you can return with me or remain at the Asylum until morning. Confer with my sister concerning the disposal of this little refugee." He patted the boy's head, and entered the sheepfold, while Salome stood leaning against the fence, looking vacantly down at the bleating flock. Catching her brother's hand, she hurried to the house, bathed his face, brushed his disordered hair, and gave him a bountiful supper of bread and milk; after which, Jane Grey ordered the little culprit brought to her bedside, where she delivered a kind lecture on his sinful disobedience. When Dr. Grey entered the room, Salome was standing at the window, while Stanley clung to her dress, hiding his face in its folds, vowing vehemently that he would not return to the Asylum, and protesting with many sobs that he would be the best boy in the world if he were only allowed to remain at the farm. "Salome, do quiet him; he will fret himself into a fever," said Miss Jane, whose nerves began to quiver painfully. "He has it already," answered the girl, without turning her head. She did not observe Dr. Grey's entrance, and when he approached the window, where the mellow moonshine streamed full on her face, he saw tears stealing over her cheeks, and noticed that her fingers were clenched tightly. "Salome, do you wish to see Jessie to-night? She has had convulsions during the day, and may not live until morning." She looked up at his grave, noble countenance, and her lips fluttered as she answered, huskily,-- "I can do nothing for her, and why should I see her die?" "To whose care was she committed by her dying mother?" "To mine." "Have you faithfully kept the sacred trust?" "I did all that I could until Miss Jane placed her in the asylum." "Does your conscience acquit you?" She silently dropped her face in her hands, and for some seconds he watched her anxiously. "Have you and Janet decided what shall be done with Stanley?" "No; the longer I ponder the matter, the more confused my mind becomes." "Will you leave it in my hands, and abide by my decision?" "Yes, gladly." "You promise to be satisfied with any course upon which I may resolve?" Looking up quickly, she exclaimed,-- "Oh, yes; I trust you, fully. Do what you think best." Dr. Grey put his hand under Stanley's chin, and, lifting his face, examined his countenance and felt his pulse.