"I have thought so too."
"Dear little Tom!" said Nellie. "You do not know how we all love him and pity him."
"Will he ever be strong again?" said Christina kindly. "I have not liked to ask your mamma."
"Papa does not think he will; he does not improve in health as we could wish; but I am sure mamma's greatest burden is relieved now."
Miss Arbuthnot and the teapot both came in at this moment, and the conversation turned to other subjects. After tea, Christina said she should walk home with Nellie.
"So early?" asked her aunt.
"Yes; I have a few things to speak to Mrs. Arundel about that I will explain to you, dear aunt, to-morrow; so we are going now."
When they entered the passage at the farm, Mrs. Arundel was just coming down from little Tom. She seemed surprised to see them, and noticed directly that Nellie looked pale and tired.
"Is anything the matter?" she asked.
"Nothing," said Christina cheerfully; "and you will wonder to see us; but we want to have a little talk with you. Is Ada in?"