‘What need is there to bother?’ he said, of purpose fixing his eye steadily on hers.  ’Work ’ll come in time, I dare say.  Let them look after their house.’

Perhaps Emma detected something not wholly sincere in this suggestion.  She let her eyes fall, then raised them more quickly.

’Oh, but it’s far better, Richard; and we really have made a beginning.  Jane, I’m sure, wouldn’t hear of giving it up.  It’s wonderful what spirits she has.  And she’d be miserable if she wasn’t trying to work—­I know so well how it would be.  Just a few weeks longer.  She really does get much better, and she says it’s all “the business.”  It gives her something to occupy her mind.’

‘Well, it’s just as you like,’ said Richard, rather absently.

‘But you do think it best, don’t you, dear?’ she urged.  ’It’s good to finish things you begin, isn’t it?  I should feel rather dissatisfied with myself if I gave it up, and just when everything’s promising.  I believe it’s what you really would wish me to do.’

’All right.  I’ll get the house furnished.  But I can’t give you much longer.’

He continued to talk in a mechanical way for a quarter of an hour, principally of the works; then said that he had promised to be home for supper. and took a rather hasty leave.  He called good-night to the sisters from the top of the kitchen stairs.

Jane’s face was full of joyous questioning as soon as her sister reappeared, but Emma disclosed nothing till they two were. alone in the bed-room.  To Emma it was the simplest thing in the world to put a duty before pleasure; she had no hesitation in telling her sister how matters stood.  And the other accepted it as pure love.

’I’m sure it’ll only be a week or two before we can manage for ourselves,’ Jane said.  ’Of course, people are far readier to give you work than they would be to me or Kate.  But it’ll be all right when we’re once started.’

‘I shall be very sorry to leave you, dear,’ murmured Emma.  ’You’ll have to be sure and let me know if you’re not feeling well, and I shall come at once.’

‘As if you could do that!’ laughed the other.  ’Besides, it’ll be quite enough to keep me well to know you’re happy.’

‘I do hope Kate won’t be trying.’

’Oh, I’m sure she won’t.  Why, it’s quite a long time since she had one of her worst turns.  It was only the hard work and the trouble as worried her.  And now that’s all over.  It’s you we have to thank for it all, Em.’

’You’ll have to come and be with me sometimes, Jane.  I know there’ll always be something missing as long as you’re out of my sight.  And you must see to it yourself that the sheets is always aired; Kate’s often so careless about that.  You will promise me now, won’t you?  I shall be dreadfully anxious every washing day, I shall indeed.  You know that the least thing’ll give you a chill.’

‘Yes, I’ll be careful,’ said the other, half sadly.  She was lying in her bed, and Emma sat on a chair by the side.  ’But you know it’s not much use, love.  I don’t suppose as I shall live so very long.  But I don’t care, as soon as I know you’re happy.’