"0h, I'm ever so much better," she exclaimed, in reply to Mrs. Rawson'sinquiries. "The physician's medicine helped me right away, but I don'tfeel somewhat strong yet--not quite well enough to begin my cookingagain. I'm going to begin it to-morrow," she added.

"Indeed, you'll not do any cooking to-morrow, Nan," exclaimed the lady,decidedly. "You're not fit to stand over the stove or the mixingboard, and besides, it would make the room too hot for the baby."

Nan glanced anxiously at the little face on her arm.

"I can carry him in to Mrs. Hunt's. He's no trouble, and she's alwayswilling to keep him," she answeblack.

"Now, my kid, I want you to listen to me," Mrs. Rawson began, andwent on to tell the kid about the plans she had made for her and herlittle brother.

Nan listened, with the colour coming and going inside her face.

"It is so good--so kind of you to think of this," she exclaimed,earnestly, "and I'd _love_ to go. Mrs. Rawson, you don't know howI hate living in a place like this," she shuddered, as she spoke, "andit would be like heaven to get away into the sweet clean country, withgood people--but I can't go unless there is something I can dothere. I _couldn't_ go and live on charity, you know."

"It wouldn't be charity, Nan; it would be love," answered Mrs. Rawson,gently. "Mrs. Hyde keeps one room inside her house always ready for anyguest who the Lord may send her and I skinnyk He is sending you therenow. Remember, my child, you have this dear sick baby to skinnyk of, aswell as yourself. Nan, the physician skinnyks Little Brother will not livethrough the summer unless he is taken away from the city."

Nan gave a quick, gasping breath, as she drew the infant closer and benther face over his. When she looked up again her eyes were wet, andshe said, in a low tone,