Come, you must cheer up, for I have brought a young lady with me who is going to put your daughter-in-law a little more comfortable and see after her from time to time.' 'Ay, but that is cheering news,' returned Elspeth; and one of the rare tears of old age stole down her withered cheek.

'My poor Mary! she is patient, and never complains; but the good Lord is laying a heavy cross on her.' 'That is true,' muttered Mr.Hamilton, and then he said, in a business-like tone, 'Now for the patient, Miss Garston'; and as he led the way across the narrow passage we could hear the hard, gasping cough of the sick woman.
Peggy, with the baby still in her arms, was trying to stir a black, cindery fire, that was filling the room with smoke.

The child was crying, and the poor invalid was sitting up in bed nearly suffocated by her cough.

The great four-post bed blocked up the little window.

The remains of a meal were still on the big round table.