A Child Shall Lead Them by Mary E. Ropes

"THIS IS THE MAIDEN ALL FORLORN."

IN spite of the devoted care of his wife and the added attention of Mrs. Curr, Ratcliffe's health grew steadily worse. Yet it was not for want of anything that he had been accustomed to have, for whatever self-denial Nancy felt it right to practise herself, her husband was not allowed to forego anything which had in the past been considered necessary. Early and late the busy little woman toiled. Always clever with her fingers, she had succeeded in obtaining some fancy work to do regularly, and whenever she was not actively employed in household matters, or in actual waiting upon Ratcliffe, her nimble hands would be earning money for the daily expenses.