Your own child, Betty.
XIII.
A GREAT EXCITEMENT.
That afternoon Betty's lively young voice grew droning and dull after a while, as she read the life of Dr. Donne, and at last she stopped altogether.
"Aunt Mary, I can't help thinking about the Fosters' father. Do you suppose he will come home and frighten them some night?"
"No, he would hardly dare to come where they are sure to be looking for him," said Aunt Mary. "Dear me, the thought makes me so nervous."
"When I have read to the end of this page I will just run down to see Nelly a few minutes, if you can spare me. I keep dreading to see her until I am almost afraid to go."
Miss Mary sighed and said yes. Somehow she didn't get hold of Betty's love,—only her duty.