“I think,” said Mrs. Ellerslie, replying to his glance, “that as you have been working so hard, my boy, you might indulge in a few days’ complete rest.”
“I must not be quite idle,” said George cheerfully; “will you not let me teach Eddy while I am at home?”
“I think that you would be soon tired of the business,” replied Mrs. Ellerslie, with a smile.
“I’ll try my skill as a tutor, at least;” and there was a bright look about the boy, which seemed to say, “I am determined _not_ to be tired.”
So George set about the task of tuition with wondrous good-humour and patience; and Eddy was delighted with his teacher, who really succeeded in persuading him at last that twice two does _not_ make three. I must own that Eddy persisted to the end in calling _no_—_on_, and _of_—_for_; but then he was but a little boy, and George said that he would do better in time. It was certainly a relief to Mrs. Ellerslie not to have her attention diverted from Lily; but I could not but fancy, from the anxious, abstracted expression of the poor lady’s face, that her own thoughts were often wandering from the lessons to the difficulties of her husband and the expected letter from Bristol.
As soon as the studies were over she quitted the room, doubtless glad that the drudgery was ended for the day; and merry as a bird from a cage, Lily flew to the side of her brother.
Eddy was delighted with his teacher. _Page 80._ ]
“It’s raining, so we need not go out. Oh, what a delightful chat we shall have! Just sit down beside me, Georgie, and tell me how you feel now that you are at home.”
“I should feel very happy indeed, but that I think mother is looking very ill.”
“Do you?” exclaimed Lily, with a look of alarm. “Well, I hoped that she was better, for she never complains. The doctor saw her about a month ago; he gave her something to strengthen her, and said that she must be taken care of, and then there would be nothing to fear.”
“Well, I don’t know—I don’t see what we can do,” replied Lily, looking perplexed; “I would gladly sit up all night, if it could do her any good.”
“She does not want any one to sit up with her all night,” said George; “but I cannot help thinking that we could do more for her, Lily, than the cleverest doctor could. The lessons are a great fatigue to her, I fear.”