Ursula, usually by far the most quick-tempered of the two, became to-night mild and patient.

She neither watched nor questioned him--wise woman as she was; she only sat still, busying herself over her work, speaking now and then of little things, lest he should notice her anxiety about him.

He did at last.
"Nay, I am not ill, do not be afraid.

Only my head aches so--let me lay it here as the children do." His wife made a place for it on her shoulder; there it rested--the poor tired head, until gradually the hard and painful expression of the features relaxed, and it became John's own natural face--as quiet as any of the little faces on their pillows up-stairs, whence, doubtless, slumber had long banished all anticipation of Longfield.

At last he too fell asleep.
Ursula held up her finger, that I might not stir.