CHAPTER IV.
"Never morning wore To evening, but some heart did break." TENNYSON.
Laura lingered at Newport for several weeks after the arrival of Lester and Elsie at Crag Cottage; so that the brothers had abundance of time and opportunity for private talks and business arrangements, and Evelyn to practise the role of hostess.
When at last she did reach home, she was greatly shocked at the change in her husband; and she heaped reproaches upon poor Evelyn for not giving her more faithful reports of his condition.
"Mamma," said the little girl, "I did write you that he was getting weaker and weaker; that he was no longer able to walk, or even drive out, and had wakeful, restless nights.

I thought you would certainly want to come to him when you heard that.

But don't worry; Dr.Taylor has changed the medicine, and I hope he will soon be better now." "No, he wont; he'll not live a month!" she exclaimed half angrily; then glancing at Evelyn's pale, terror-stricken face, "Pshaw, child! don't be frightened," she said; "I did not really mean it; I dare say we shall have him about again in a few weeks." "Mamma, what _do_ you _really_ think ?" asked the little girl, clasping her hands and gazing into her mother's face with a look of agonized entreaty.

"I know you believe in deceiving people sometimes when you think it for their good, for I have heard you say so; but I want to know the truth, even if it breaks my heart." "I'm not a doctor, Evelyn," returned her mother coldly; "I can judge only from appearances, which are as visible to you as to me.

Besides, what is the use of my giving my opinion, since you choose to believe I am capable of intentionally deceiving you ?" With the last word she sailed from the room, leaving Evelyn alone in the parlor, where the conversation had taken place.
Evelyn sat like one stunned by a heavy blow.