As the time for the expiration of her term of service approached, she felt her strength to be fast failing her.
Her cheek had become paler and thinner, her step more languid, and her appetite was almost entirely gone.
These indications of failing health were not unobserved by Mr.
Martin.

But, not having made up his mind, definitely, that she was precisely the woman he wanted for a wife, he could not interfere to prevent her continuance at the business which was too evidently destroying her health.

But every time he saw her his interest in her became tenderer.

"If no one steps forward and saves her," he would sometimes say to himself, as he gazed with saddened feelings upon her colorless cheek, "she will fall a victim in the very bloom of womanhood." And Mary herself saw the sad prospect before her.

She told no one of the pain in her side, nor of the sickening sensation of weakness and weariness that daily oppressed her.