52 A YEAR WITH NELLIE.

I’ve given something to mother to make her
sleep, and she'll be all right in the morning.”

“ And how is Harry, please, sir?”

Dr. Rayner shook his head gravely.

“ Are you very fond of Harry?” he asked.

Nellie could only nod, while great tears
rolled down her cheeks.

“ Poor little girl!” said the doctor, still strok-
ing her hair.

“Don’t you think he'll get better?” she
managed to say, after a minute.

The doctor hesitated, not liking to speak his
real thoughts. By and by he answered slowly,

“T can’t tell, my child.”

And putting her down, he got up and went
towards the door, Nellie letting him out and
putting up the chain when he was gone.

CHAPTER VIII.
WATCHING.

E was the middle of the night. Mrs. Maine
in her room was sleeping soundly and
peacefully, after having taken the draught the