made, and that must be done. But after to-day, I won't go out
anywhere again until you are better."

"I don't think I shall ever be better again, Ellen," said the sick
girl. "I am getting so weak; and I feel just as if I shouldn't stay
here but a little while. You don't know how strange I feel
sometimes. Oh, I wish you didn't have to go out to-day!" And she
looked so earnestly into the face of her sister, that the tears
sprung into Ellen's eyes.

"If I can persuade them to put this last dress off until next week,
and then get some one else to make it, I will," said the sister:
"but if I can't, Margaret, try and keep up your spirits. I'll ask
Mrs. Ryland, down-stairs, to come and sit with you a little while at
a time through the day; and so if I can't; get off, you won't be
altogether without company."

"I wish you would, sister, for I feel so lonesome sometimes,"
replied Margaret, mournfully.

Mrs. Ryland consented, for she was a kind-hearted woman, and liked
the sisters, and Ellen hurried away to Mrs. Condy's.

"You are very late this morning, ain't you?" said Mary Condy, as
Ellen entered with Jane's finished dress.

"I am a little late, Miss Mary, but I sat up until three o'clock
this morning, and overslept myself in consequence."

"Well, you'll finish my dress to-day, of course?"