Janet produced it, and, being evidently most unwilling to let it go
out of her hands, was allowed to carry it in, and to tell her mother
that she had it. There was no need for injunctions to do so softly
and cautiously, for she was frightened by her mother's dull, half-
closed eye, and pale, leaden look; but there was a little air of
relief as she faltered, "Here's the slate, dear mother:" and the
answer, so faint that she could hardly hear it, was, "Lock it up, my
dear, till I can look."

Mrs. Lucas told Janet she might kiss her, and then sent the girl
away. There was need of anxious watch lest fever should set in, and
therefore all that was exciting was kept at a distance as the poor
young widow verged towards recovery.

Once, when she heard voices on the stairs, she started nervously, and
asked Mrs. Lucas, "Is Ellen there?"

"Yes, my dear; she shall not come to you unless you wish it," seeing
her alarm; and she laid her head down again.

The double funeral was accomplished while she was still too ill to
hear anything about it, though Mrs. Lucas had no doubt that she knew;
and when he came home, Colonel Brownlow called for Janet, and asked
her whether she could find her grandmother's keys and her father's
for him.

"Mother would not like anyone to rummage their things," said Janet,
like a watch-dog.