“I shall be pleased to have you,” he returned, “as I am partial to ladies’ society and your aunt cannot go with me.”
“Have you told mother of Ethel’s break-down, sir?” asked his son George.
“Not yet, but I am going up to do so now,” Mr. Eldon replied, as they all rose from the table.
Mrs. Eldon heard the story with interest, her husband recounting to her all that his brother had told him of the little home Ethel had made for herself and the younger ones, its comforts and conveniences, and what was lacking in that line; also how completely she had overworked herself in her determined effort to provide for her little family.
“Now what can we do to help her?” she asked when he had finished. “She is worthy of help, for she has shown herself wonderfully brave, self-reliant, and industrious.”
“She has indeed,” he responded, “and must be prevented from beginning work too soon. I am going to warn her to be careful, assuring her that Albert and I will provide all that is necessary, at least until she has fully recovered her health, and strength; and I shall insist that she allows us to do so. Her father would certainly have done the same by my children had the situation be reversed; and so I shall tell her.”
“Yes; and lest she should doubt my willingness to have you do so, tell her I think it no more than one brother should do for the children of another, if he finds himself as able as you are.”
“Thank you, my dear. And now I will go at once that I may get back to you the sooner.”
He found Dorothy ready, waiting for him in the parlor below, and they set off at once.
They were joyfully welcomed on their arrival at their destination. Ethel was surprised and touched at this evidence of feeling for her on the part of her Uncle George and Dorothy. They found her awake, talked very kindly to her, showing much interest in her and the younger ones, but, perceiving that her greatest need was rest and sleep, left early, promising to come again soon. Her uncle bade her an affectionate good-by, telling her not to fret or worry about anything, but to take matters easily, trusting in Providence, and her uncles as His instruments. He took her hand as he spoke and left something in it, which on examination she found to be a five-dollar bill.