"All by myself, mamma?"
"Yes, dear. Do you think you will be tired? We shall be gone a good while. It is a long ride to church."
"Oh, no, I wont be tired a bit," said Bessie, "and I'll take such good care of him. Mamma, are you sorry about something?"
"No, dear, only very glad and happy."
"Oh," said Bessie, "I thought I saw a tear in your eye when you kissed me; I s'pose I didn't."
When the wagon started for church with the rest of the family, Bessie went with them as far as the hotel, where she was left, and taken to the colonel's room by Mrs. Rush.
"Now what shall I do to amuse you, Bessie?" said the colonel, when his wife had gone.
"Why, I don't want to be amused on Sunday," said Bessie, looking very grave. "Franky has his playthings, and baby has her yattle, 'cause they don't know any better. I used to have my toys, too, when I was young, but I am too big now. I mean I'm not very big, but I am pretty old, and I do know better. Besides, I must do something for you. I am to be your little nurse and take care of you, mamma said."
"What are you going to do for me?"