Mrs.Howard was slowly recovering from an attack of typhoid fever.

This was why she had not hastened to Roselands to the assistance of her injured father and sister.
And Mrs.Rose Dinsmore was at Ashlands, helping Sophie nurse her children through the scarlet fever.

And so, Mrs.Conly being still absent at the North, the burden of these new responsibilities must fall upon Mr.Horace Dinsmore and his children.
Mr.Dinsmore undertook the care of his father, Mr.Travilla and young Horace engaging to relieve him now and then, Elsie that of Enna; her children, except the baby, who with mammy must come to Roselands also, could do without her for a time.

It would be hard for both her and them, she knew, but the lesson in self-denial for the sake of others, might prove more than a compensation; and Enna must not, in her critical state, be left to the care of servants.
Rosie volunteered to see that Molly was not neglected, and to exert herself for the poor girl's entertainment, and Bob and Betty were sent to the Oaks to be looked after by Mrs.Murray and their cousin Horace.
It would be no easy or agreeable task for the old lady, but she was sure not to object in view of the fact that quiet was essential to the recovery of the sufferers at Roselands..