A Piteous Sight. 125

mcnt to-day, which we must do all we can to
keep up. Mrs. Hamilton did not deem it
necessary to tell her children that in all
probability the chances of the baby's re-
covery were very small. She felt it herself;
but for them there was time enough when
the end really was in view.
 "As you will not either of you have any
tea, I dare say, if you are warm enough,
you would like to come up and see the dear
child before he dozes off for the night."
 They followed their mamma on tip-toe up-
stairs, and, as noiselessly as possible, entered
th.e nursery. The room was very dark.
Nurse sat in the rocking-chair by the fire-
place, and on her lap lay the little sufferer.
Strangely altered he was! His bright laugh-
ing eyes were closed, and the dark circles
round them showed clearly, even in that
light ; his mouth was partly open, and
the teeth firmly set, while he made a low,
moaning sound most distressing to listen to,
and from time to time turned his head uneasily
round. He was verypale, but not thinner than
usual, as he had not been ill sufficiently long to
fall away much. After gazing at him a few
moments, Mrs. Hamilton led her children away,
seeing them completely overcome by the sight.