I waited for you so long, and was so disappointed that you did not come." There was more of tenderness and wife-like interest in Cara's words and manner than had been manifested for a long time, and the feelings of Ellis were touched thereby.

Partly raising himself on his elbow, he replied-- "I know it isn't right; but I was so much engaged!" The twilight pervading the room was too feeble to give Mrs.Ellis a distinct view of her husband's countenance.

Its true expression, therefore, was veiled.
"You feel better now, do you ?" she inquired tenderly.
"Yes, dear," he answered, slightly pressing the hand she had laid in his.
"I will order tea on the table immediately." And Mrs.Ellis left the room.

When she returned, he had risen from the bed, and was sitting in a large chair near one of the windows.
"Are you better, dear ?" tenderly inquired Mrs.Ellis.
"Yes, a good deal better," was answered.

And the words were truly spoken; for this unlooked-for, kind, even tender reception, had wrought an almost instantaneous change.