"Kate, it must be you," said Ella, eagerly. "I do not know anything
about nursing or housekeeping, or anything of that sort, and you know I
always say and do the wrong thing."

Mrs. Hastings looked anxious and perplexed. "I really do not know what
to do for the best," she said. "I do not see how I can spare you, Kate;
for if I have one of my bad attacks I must have you at hand; and you
see, Ella, you would have everything to learn here just as much as at
Hapsleigh, and I think you would find teaching the children very hard
work."

Kate, the eldest daughter, was her mother's unfailing assistant, and
almost entirely relieved her of the care of the three little ones;
indeed, during Mrs. Hastings's frequent attacks of asthma, Kate was both
ready and able to take entire charge of the household, and she felt
that to leave her mother with only Ella's help would be throwing more
care upon her than her delicate health could bear. She spoke decidedly,
therefore; and, after a little more discussion, it was agreed that Ella
should accompany her father, prepared to stay as long as she might be
required.

The rest of the day was fully occupied with packing and making
arrangements. Ella was rather apt to let her clothing take care of
itself, and, in a sudden emergency such as this, had to borrow right and
left. Indeed, Mrs. Hastings and Kate were both kept busy all the
afternoon looking over and supplying the deficiencies in her outfit.

"That dressing-gown will not do at all, Ella. It is most important to
have a thoroughly warm one when you have to sit up at night. Yours is
very pretty, but blue cashmere and lace are not suitable for a sick room