"I have thought Tom looks poorly, papa?"
"Yes, dear, it is nor to be wondered at."
"No; but you will not think I am restless if I say that, perhaps, a little change might help us all, dear papa, if it could be managed?"
"You shall go by all means, my dears."
"Not without you; oh, we could not."
"Christina perhaps would go with you."
"Oh, not that! But you, dear papa, want a change most of all; oh, you must go too, if we do."
He seemed to be considering, and presently observed, "I was to have taken her, Nellie, just at this time."
"I know," said Nellie, nestling her head closer to him.
"Well, dear—" he said with a long breath, "we will think it over. I do not wish to shut myself up, and if it would do you all good, I am willing to try it."