"I have been resting here for some hours and feel quite able to join the family now.

I am not in pain at this moment, and Arthur said nothing about keeping to my room." "Then I wouldn't, mamma," said Walter, slipping his hand into hers.

"I'm sure Cousin Arthur's always ready enough to order us to keep to our rooms if there's any occasion.

I'm glad he doesn't think you sick enough to have to do that." His mother only smiled in reply, and, taking her father's offered arm, moved on in the direction of the stairway, Walter still clinging to her other hand.
Anxious looks and inquiries greeted her on their entrance into the parlor, where family and servants were already gathered for the evening service; but she parried them all with such cheery words and bright sweet smiles as set their fears at rest for the time.
But those of Edward were presently rearoused as--the younger members of the family and the servants having retired from the room--he noticed a look of keen, almost anguished anxiety, bestowed by his grandfather upon his mother; then that her cheek was unusually pale.
"Mother dear, you are not well!" he exclaimed, hastily rising and going to her.
"No, not quite, my dear boy," she replied, smiling up at him; "but do not look so distressed; none of us can expect always to escape all illness.

I am going back to my room now and, though able to do so without assistance, will accept the support of the arm of my eldest son, if it is offered me." "Gladly, mother dear, unless you will let me carry you; which I am fully able to do." "Oh, no, Ned," she said laughingly, as she rose and put her hand within his arm; "the day may possibly come when I shall tax your young strength to that extent, but it is not necessary now.