I believe I am
going fast to that home; and now my greatest concern is, that
my little Ellen — my precious baby — may follow me, and come
there too."
No more was said, nor could be said, till the sound of the
doctor's steps upon the stair obliged each of them to assume
an appearance of composure as speedily as possible. But they
could not succeed perfectly enough to blind him. He did not
seem very well satisfied, and told Ellen he believed he should
have to get another nurse — he was afraid she didn't obey
orders.
While the doctor was there, Ellen's Bible was brought in; and
no sooner was he gone than it underwent as thorough an
examination as the boxes had received. Ellen went over every
part of it with the same great care and satisfaction — but
mixed with a different feeling. The words that caught her eye
as she turned over the leaves seemed to echo what her mother
had been saying to her. It began to grow dear already. After a
little she rose and brought it to the sofa.
"Are you satisfied with it, Ellen?"
"Oh, yes, Mamma; it is perfectly beautiful, outside and
inside. Now, Mamma, will you please write my name in this
precious book — my name, and anything else you please, mother?
I'll bring you my new pen to write it with, and I've got ink
here — shall I?"
She brought it; and Mrs. Montgomery wrote Ellen's name and the
date of the gift.
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