"Oh! is it indeed? Perhaps you never heard of the mouse that liberated the lion?" Stella laughed, for she knew the fable well. "Seriously, my dear, your money has done good already, and I will tell you how. Your mother made a provision in her will that if I consented to become your guardian, and you made your home with us, a certain sum was to be paid to me every year. Now this money has been a great help to us, because, you know, I am not rich, and it has considerably lightened the burden on my shoulders, and eased your aunt's mind of a great deal of anxiety and worry. I believe that it is because she has had fewer cares this last year that her condition is improving, as I have little doubt it is. So you see, Stella, your money has begun to do good already. The little town mouse brought a blessing with her."
"Oh, uncle, really?"
"Really and truly! Bear in mind you are not such an insignificant little animal after all."
Stella laughed merrily, and after kissing her uncle good-night went to bed one of the happiest children in the world; and when on the morrow the London doctor agreed with Dr. Knight that his wife was certainly better, her joy knew no bounds.
To the invalid the knowledge that it was possible she might some day be able to stand and even walk a few steps came as a shock of joyful surprise. Her husband broke the news to her before the children returned from school, and when they came trooping in her glad tears of thankfulness had been shed, and she was ready to greet them with her own bright smile.
But it was many months before Mrs. Knight could stand, and then many weeks before she could move a few steps across the room. At length the day came when, with her husband's strong arm to support her, she walked downstairs once more, and had tea with the family in the sitting-room. The children had decked the apartment with autumn flowers, for it was October again, and two years since Stella had come to them.
Mrs. Knight sat at the head of the table, looking very frail and white, but pretty and smiling. Her blue eyes shone with glad tears as she listened to the merry chatter of the young people. The doctor was content to sit at his wife's right hand, and watch her dear face as it turned from one to the other of the little group.
"Children," Mrs. Knight said presently, "do you know that I have had a letter from Mrs. Gray this morning, and she has a little baby boy! She and Mr. Gray are going to have a holiday soon, and they hope to come and see us."
"Oh, I am glad!" cried Nellie, whilst the others looked delighted. "Will they bring the baby, do you think, mother?"
"I think it is very likely they will."