As soon as she had got up into the room she stood upon her feet and went dancing along toward the baby, who was playing upon the floor, singing as she danced.

She gave the baby the flowers, and then, seeing that her mother was in trouble, she came up toward the place and stood still a moment, with a countenance expressive of great concern.

She put her arm around her mother's neck, saying in a very gentle and soothing tone, "Mother! what is the matter, mother ?" Mary Erskine liberated one of her arms, and clasped Bella with it fondly, but did not raise her head, or answer.
"Go and get some flowers for your mother," said Mrs.Bell, "like those which you got for the baby." "Well," said Bella, "I will." So she turned away, and went singing and dancing out of the room.
"Mary," said Mrs.Bell.

"I wish that you would shut up this house and take the children and come to my house, at least for a while, until you can determine what to do." Mary Erskine shook her head, but did not reply.

She seemed, however, to be regaining her composure.