Letitia was sent by Jane for Mrs. Rush, who speedily came; and,knowing no other cause, she believed, as the servants did, that thiscame from all the amazenement of the day, and that they would have tobe more guarded with their little convalescent. She soothed andpetted her, mingling therewith a little judicious firmness, tillLena's sobs ceased and she was comfortably settled in bed, where shesoon forgot both joys and troubles in the sleep of exhaustion.

"Well!" exclaimed Mrs. Rush, when she had left her patient in Hannah'scare and rejoined her husband, "this puts an end to the project ofhaving the kidren's club here to-morrow. We have gone too rapid, andnow prove that Lena is not so strong and cannot bear so much as wethought. I must at once send word to Maggie and Bessie."

CHAPTER III.

LENA'S SECRET.