56 A YEAR WITH NELLIE.

rest. It seemed to the little watcher that she
was the only creature awake.

How solemn the night was! She grew so
nervous now and then, through the stillness,
that she was half inclined to creep round to
her father and slip her small hand into his, to
chase away her fears.

The morning came at last, and Mr. Maine
again shook: off his drowsiness, and looked
anxiously at the patient who was still uncon-
scious. Nellie crept down to light the fire,
and get ready some breakfast. She was still
busy, when there was a gentle knock at the
door. To unbolt and open it did not take
- long. Who should be there but Miss Rayner!

“Poor child! How wan you look!” she
said, bending to kiss her young pupil. “How
is the little brother?”

“Just thesame,” Nelliefaltered,as she shut the
door,Miss Rayner going with herintothe kitchen.

“T have come to see if I can be of any help
to you. Dr. Rayner told me all about it, and
I have been thinking of you ever since.”

“J wish I was shot instead of Harry, miss!”
said Nellie, bursting into tears, and covering
her face with her hands.