52 DAISY

and sat by the sleeping child for a while, with a
look of one who has received a reprieve from
death, then went to his room and shut himself
in, From that hour he was a different crea-
ture. The heavy stamp of affliction had been
laid upon him. He was a man now, in the
best sense of the word,

Bay by day, Baisy steadily improved ; Robert:
son was constantly with her, and until she was
able to run about on her own small feet, he
carried her everywhere in his strong arms.
Sometimes he would walk up and down the
halls for hours: ata time, listening. to her childish
confidences and telling her stories with the utmost
patience and gentleness. And his devotion did
not cease when her strength returned, ler

solitary life was at an end. Half his leisure