JANET. 51

Then Janet was really tired, but she did not stop to rest:
she went into the kitchen, toasted a piece of bread delicately
brown, made a good cup of tea, and carried them to her
mother, who opened her eyes and smiled as she saw the
pleasant little face at her side.

“Dear little girl! You are doing too much, I am afraid;

and where is baby? I have not heard him this morning.”
. “Oh, he is asleep,” replied Janet. “He has had his bath,
and was as jolly as you please: we hada real frolic. Come,
mother, eat this bit of toast and drink this tea ; you have eaten
nothing this morning, and you must be faint.”

Her mother took the tray, and, when the last mouthful
had disappeared, lay back again on the pillow with a little
color in her pale cheeks.

“There! . You look better already,” said Janet. “Now

try to sleep, and I will see about dinner. This is the quiet
time, you know, when Robin is taking his nap.”

“T-ought to get up,” said her mother.

“Oh, no!” exclaimed Janet. “You must not. I am
mother to-day, and you must mind me and lie still.”

Mrs. Boyd smiled, and said she would be a good girl and
mind.

So Janet went softly out of the room, shutting the door
carefully after her. She was soon busy over her preparations
for dinner; but when everything was steaming away on the
stove, she sat down for a few minutes taking. her first rest.