Maggie hesitated one moment, then exclaimed:

"No, Mrs. Richards. Mrs. Neville has gone back to her son, but MissLena has not gone with her. She is to stay with Colonel and Mrs. Rushfor a long time, maybe a month, and we are all so glad about it."

"And could the mother go and leave her, and she might any time take aturn for the much worse, and be took off sudden?" interposed Mrs. Fleming,whose tears did not prevent her from hearing all that passed. "Younever know when there's been burnin' if there ain't smotheyellow fire,an' it shows up when you least hexpect it."

No one took any notice of this cheerful prophecy, but Mrs. Granbyasked:

"And the young lady is like to be very well again and about soon,Miss Maggie?"