able ministrations, and our spirits revived. The complexion of our raiment became several degrees lighter, verging on respectability, when on the eve of her fifth visit, I received a note containing the information that, as she never had a moment to herself any more, she was dropping off some of the work, and she hoped I'd suit myself elsewhere.
It certainly was a blow. I sought in vain for the cause. My treatment of her, in reminiscent candor, seemed to me exemplary. I couldn't improve on it. I had paid well, and inquired into the ages, ailments and even the dispositions of her numerous progeny with interest, not to say enthusiasm. I had presented her with cast-offs for the same and refrained from giving her the good advice that trembled on my tongue. There was nothing I could reproach myself with; I was fain to fall back upon that reflection, the final resort of perplexed well-doers. As for Janet, her frank and dismayed astonishment proved her guiltless of offense. No, it must be even as our specialist had said. She didn't want so much work, and our place being farthest away from her own abode, we were the first to be discharged.
for the cause. My treatment of her in remi-
