'she has seemed very well and strong all the summer, but she still
has that constant cough, and we must always be anxious about her, I
wish she would take a little more care of herself, but she will not
understand how necessary precautions are; she goes out in all sorts
of weather, and never allows that anything will give her cold;
indeed, I let Dora go out with them this evening, because I knew that
Lizzie would stay out of doors too long, unless she had her to make
her come in for her sake.'

'How bright and well Helen looks!' said Lady Merton; 'she seems to
have been very happy at Dykelands.'

'Very happy indeed,' said Mrs. Woodbourne; 'I am sure we are
exceedingly obliged to Mrs. Staunton for asking her. She has come
back quite a different creature, and can speak of nothing but the
kindness of her friends at Dykelands.'

Here the conversation dropped for a minute or two, for Lady Morton
found it difficult to reply. Mrs. Staunton had lived in the village
where Merton Hall was situated, and where both Lady Merton and her
sister-in-law had spent their childhood. She had been much attached
to Mrs. Woodbourne, and was Helen's godmother; but having settled in
a distant county, had scarcely kept up any intercourse with the
Woodbourne family since her friend's death, though constantly
corresponding with Lady Merton, and occasionally writing and sending
presents to her little god-daughter. Chancing however to come to
London on business, she had written to Mr. Woodbourne to beg him to
bring Helen to meet her there, and allow her to take her back with
her into Lincolnshire to spend some time with her and her daughters.
Mr. Woodbourne, knowing that his wife had esteemed her very highly,