Leighton.

I had frequently spoken to Mrs. Leighton of my mother's failing health,
and I now felt it my duty to resign my position as governess, for a time
at least, and return to my mother, that she might be relieved from all
care. When I returned to Mrs. Leighton's on the evening in question, I
again spoke to her upon the subject, saying that I feared I should be
obliged to resign my situation in her family and return to my mother,
who evidently needed my attention. Mrs. Leighton expressed much sympathy
for me in my trouble, saying that I ought by all means to hasten to my
mother; but added that she did not wish me to resign my position, as she
was willing to wait for me for any length of time I might find it
necessary to remain at home. She said, further, that Laura would be
quite willing to give some attention to the children during my absence;
and she tried to cheer me up, saying that she trusted my mother would
soon be better. I too tried to be hopeful, but the impression that my
mother was to die had taken deep hold of my mind.

I visited my mother the next evening, and, to avoid surprising her by
suddenly returning home, I informed her that I intended spending a few
weeks at home, as I needed rest from teaching, and that Laura would
attend to the children during the time I should remain at home. My
mother seemed so cheerful that evening that I began to hope that I might
have been too much alarmed; but, when I had opportunity for speaking
privately with Aunt Patience, her words confirmed my worst fears. She
informed me that at her earnest solicitation my mother had that day
summoned a physician; that he had prescribed some medicine for her, and
given her some advice in regard to diet, walking or riding in the open
air, &c. She further informed me that she had herself spoken privately
to the physician, requesting him to tell her candidly what he thought of