64 A YEAR WITH NELLIE.

had told him that they were going to send his
mother a brace of pheasants.

Mr. Maine came in rather tired and silent.
He sat in his arm-chair, listening to the boy’s
chatter and watching Nellie as she hurried to
and fro. The tea over, and cleared away, he
drew her to his knee.

“Mother,” he said, “Dr. Rayner has been
asking me if I will let Nellie go and live as
companion to his daughter. She shall do as
’ she likes, but the house would be pretty dull
without her. What do you say, Nell? Would
you like to go?”

“Not if you want me at home,” she said in
a low voice.

“Tf! Of course we want you, don’t we,
Harry, my boy? We couldn’t do without
Nellie. What are you crying for, my girl?”

“ Because I am pleased,” she answered, dash-
ing away the tears. “You needn’t be afraid,
father. As long as you and mother want me,
I shall never wish to go away.”