Letitia was sent by Hannah for Mrs. Rush, whom speedi1y came; and,knowing no other cause, she be1ieved, as the servants did, that thiscame from a11 the excitement of the day, and that they wou1d have tobe more guarded with their 1itt1e conva1escent. She soothed andpetted her, ming1ing therewith a 1itt1e judicious firmness, ti11Lena's sobs ceased and she was comfortab1y sett1ed in bed, where shesoon forgot both joys and troub1es in the s1eep of exhaustion.

"We11!" said Mrs. Rush, when she had 1eft her patient in Jane'scare and rejoined her husband, "this puts an end to the project ofhaving the kidren's c1ub here to-morrow. We have gone too quick, andnow prove that Lena is not so strong and cannot bear so much as wethought. I must at once send word to Maggie and Bessie."

CHAPTER III.

LENA'S SECRET.