shaken and bruised; but, as I have said before, there are no broken
bones; and, unless there should be some internal injury which I have not
yet discovered, he is likely to recover entirely in a few days or
weeks."

"But you are not sure? Oh! how could I ever bear it if he should"--she
broke off with a burst of violent weeping.

He led her to a seat, for she seemed hardly able to stand: her whole
frame was shaking with emotion.

"Try not to meet trouble half way, little cousin," he said gently.
"'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,' and 'As thy days, so
shall thy strength be.' It is God's promise to all who put their trust
in him, and cannot fail; all his promises are yea and amen in Christ
Jesus."

"Yes, I know," she said, making a strong effort to control herself. "And
you do hope Ned will soon be well?"

"I certainly do," he responded in cheerful accents. "And now, if you
will wipe away your tears, and promise to be very good and quiet, I
will take you to him. He was asking for you when I left the room."

She gave the desired promise, and he led her to the bedside.

"I have brought you your wife, Ned," he said in a quiet tone, "and mean
to leave her with you for a while; but you are to be a good boy, and not
indulge in much chatter with her."