"Have you no relatives?" asked the lady, stooping to scrutinize her
face.

"No, ma'am."

"She is a very pretty child, Mrs. Murray, and if you can take care
of her, even for a few weeks, until she is able to walk about, it
will be a real charity. I never saw so much fortitude displayed by
one so young; but her fever is increasing, and she needs immediate
attention. Will it be convenient for you to carry her to your house
at once?"

"Certainly, doctor; order the carriage driven up as close as
possible. I brought a small mattress, and think the ride will not be
very painful. What splendid eyes she has! Poor little thing! Of
course you will come and prescribe for her, and I will see that she
is carefully nursed until she is quite well again. Here, Henry, you
and Richard must lift this child, and put her on the mattress in the
carriage. Mind you do not stumble and hurt her."

During the drive neither spoke, and Edna was in so much pain that
she lay with her eyes closed. As they entered a long avenue, the
rattle of the wheels on the gravel aroused the child's attention,
and when the carriage stopped, and she was carried up a flight of
broad marble steps, she saw that the house was very large and
handsome.

"Bring her into the room next to mine," said Mrs. Murray, leading
the way.