She herself belonged to one of the great houses in -- -shire, but had married into Scotland; so, after her husband's death, it was the most natural thing in the world that she should settle in East Chester; and one after another of her daughters had become first Miss Monro's pupil and afterwards her friend.

Mrs.Forbes herself had always been strongly attracted by Ellinor, but it was long before she could conquer the timid reserve by which Miss Wilkins was hedged round.

It was Miss Monro, who was herself incapable of jealousy, who persevered in praising them to one another, and in bringing them together; and now Ellinor was as intimate and familiar in Mrs.Forbes's household as she ever could be with any family not her own.
Mrs.Forbes was considered to be a little fanciful as to illness; but it was no wonder, remembering how many sisters she had lost by consumption.
Miss Monro had often grumbled at the way in which her pupils were made irregular for very trifling causes.

But no one so alarmed as she, when, in the autumn succeeding Mr.Ness's death, Mrs.Forbes remarked to her on Ellinor's increased delicacy of appearance, and shortness of breathing.
From that time forwards she worried Ellinor (if any one so sweet and patient could ever have been worried) with respirators and precautions.
Ellinor submitted to all her friend's wishes and cares, sooner than make her anxious, and remained a prisoner in the house through the whole of November.

Then Miss Monro's anxiety took another turn.