her darling to health. Was she trying to deceive herself?

While Mrs. Stein was speaking, the sound of a horse's hoofs was heard,
and she hurried out to meet her husband and to tell him of Mrs.
Stanhope's arrival. The doctor hastened away on foot to pay a visit to
his new patient. Not until late in the evening did he return; long after
the children were safe in their beds. Fred, by the way, had persevered
till he had secured his aunt long enough to give her a thorough account
of the appearance of the "green or water-frog." It had been no easy
task, for each of the children had some special need of her that
evening, and his mother, too; and even Kathri asked for "one word"; but
Fred was not to be cheated, and he came out triumphant at last.

The doctor sat down hungry at the supper-table, and not one word did he
speak to his expectant wife and sister, until he had satisfied his
appetite. He shook his head doubtfully, in answer to their questions
about Nora.

"There is nothing to build upon," he said; "the little plant has no
strength. It is not a case of failing health, but of utter want of
vitality from the very beginning. If our mountain air can work a
miracle, we may see her restored; if not, there is no hope."

His wife and "aunty" were grieved at this reply, though they had
expected nothing better; but they tried to take a more cheerful view.

"While there is life, there is hope," they said, "and our mountain air
does certainly work wonders."

"I should like to have Emma go to see the little girl, and try to amuse