Oh, what a comfort and blessing you are to me, and always have been! And I am happier and less lonely for having my husband's children with me, especially my darling little Gracie.

I feel that in caring for her and nursing her back to health I shall be adding to his happiness." "As no doubt you will," her mother said.

"It will be a pleasure to me to help you care for her, and the others also.

Now, good-night, daughter; we both ought to be in bed." Violet presently stretched herself beside the sleeping Gracie with a murmured word of endearment drew the child closer to her, and in another moment was sharing her slumbers.
When she awoke the sun was shining, and the first object her eyes rested upon was the little face by her side.

The pallor and look of exhaustion it had worn the night before were quite gone, a faint tinge of pink had even stolen into the cheeks.
Violet noted the change with a feeling of relief and thankfulness, and raising herself upon her elbow, touched her lips lightly to the white forehead.
The child's eyes flew open and with a sweet engaging smile, she asked, "Have you been lying beside me all night, mamma ?" "Yes, Gracie.