Helen wondered at herself as much as Mrs. Cameron wondered at her, trying to decide whether it were ignorance, conceit, obtuseness, or what, which made her so self-possessed when she was expected to appear so different.

“Strong-minded,” was her final decision, as she said at last:  “We promised Katy she should see you to-night.  Will you go now?”

Then the color left Helen’s face and lips, and her limbs shook perceptibly, for the knowing she was soon to meet her sister unnerved her; but by the time the door of Katy’s room was reached she was herself again, and there was no need for Mrs. Cameron to whisper:  “Pray do not excite her.”

Katy heard her coming, and it required all Wilford’s and the nurse’s efforts to keep her quiet, so great was her joy.

“Helen, Helen, darling, darling sister,” she cried, as she wound her arms around Helen’s neck, and laid her golden head on Helen’s bosom, sobbing in a low, mournful way which told Helen more how much she was beloved and had been longed for than did the weak, childish voice which whispered:  “I’ve wanted you so much, oh, Helen; you don’t know how much I’ve missed you all the years I’ve been away.  You will not leave me now,” and Katy clung closer to the dear sister who gently unclasped the clinging arms and put back upon the pillow the quivering face, which she kissed so tenderly, whispering in her own old half-soothing, half-commanding way:  “Be quiet now, Katy.  It’s best that you should.  No, I will not leave you.”

Next to Dr. Grant, Helen had more influence over Katy than any living being, and it was very apparent now, for as if her presence had a power to soothe, Katy grew very quiet, and utterly wearied out, slept for a few moments with Helen’s hand fast locked in hers.  When she awoke the tired look was gone, and turning to her sister, she said:  “Have you seen my baby?” while the young mother love which broke so beautifully over her pale face, made it the face of an angel.

“It seems so funny that it is Katy’s baby,” Helen said, taking the puny little thing, which with its wrinkled face and red, clinched fists was not very attractive to her, save as she looked at it with Katy’s eyes.

She did not even kiss it, but her tears dropped upon its head as she thought how short the time since up in the old garret at home she had dressed rag dolls for the Katy who was now a mother.  And still in a measure she was the same, hugging Helen fondly when she said good-night, and welcoming her so joyfully in the morning when she came again, telling her how just the sight of her sitting there by baby’s crib did her so much good.

“I shall get well so fast,” she said; and she was right, for Helen was worth far more to her than all the physician’s powders, and Wilford, when he saw how she improved, was glad that Helen came, even if she did sometimes shock him with her independent ways, upsetting all his plans and theories with regard to Katy, and meeting him on other grounds with an opposition as puzzling as it was new to him.