"I am going to send for Maggie and Bessie to come and spend the daywith her. She is able, I think, to have them with her, and they maybrighten her a little."

No sooner exclaimed than done; the colonel, always glad of any excuse forbringing these prime favorites of his to his own home, went for themhimself, and finding them disengaged, this being Saturday and aholiday, brought them back with him.

He had the pleasure of seeing Lena's pale face light up when she sawthem, and soon left the youthful patient with her two little friends towork what healing influences they might.

Now, although Lena was fairly fond of both these girls, Bessie was herspecial favorite, maybe because she, being less shy than Maggie,had been the first to offer her sympathy and comfort at the time whenLena had been left at her uncle's with her heart wrung with anxietyand distress for her brother Russell who was then fairly dangerouslyill.

And Bessie was now quick to look at that something was wrong with Lena.Maggie saw it too, but shy Maggie, unless it was with some one asfrank as herself, could not seek to draw forth confidences. But, withher usual considerate thoughtfulness, she did that which was perhapsbetter; she presently withdrew herself to the next chamber with Elsieand little May and amused them there, so that Lena might have theopportunity of speaking to Bessie if she so chose.