When she awoke, it was with the same sinking sensation that she had experienced on the morning previous, and, indeed, on every morning for many months past.  The remembrance of the rebuke she had received on the day before for being late at her place of business, acted as a kind of stimulant to arouse her to exertion, so as to be able to get off in time.  It was, however, a few minutes past the hour when she entered the store, the owner of which looked at his watch, significantly, as she did so.

This day passed, as the previous one had, in pain and extreme weariness—­and so did the next, and the next, the poor girl’s strength failing her too perceptibly.  During this time, Alfred’s coat had been repaired, a pair of pantaloons and a vest bought for him, and also a second-hand hat of very respectable appearance—­all ready so soon as he should be strong enough to venture out.  How anxiously, and yet in fear and trembling, did the sisters look forward to that period, which was to strengthen their feeble hopes, or scatter them to the winds!

“I do really feel very ill,” Anna said, sinking back upon her pillow, after making an attempt to rise, one morning some four or five days after that on which Mary has been represented as endeavouring to get an advance from Mrs.—.

“What is the matter?” Mary inquired kindly.

“My head aches most violently—­and grows confused so soon as I attempt to rise.”

“Then I would lie still, Anna.”

“No, I must be up, and getting ready to go to the store.”

“I wouldn’t go down to the store, if I were you, Anna.  You had better rest for a day.”

“I cannot afford to lose a day,” Anna said, again rising in bed, and sitting upright, until the swimming in her head, that commenced upon the least motion, had subsided.  Then she got out upon the floor, and stood for a few moments, while her head seemed reeling, and she every instant about to sink down.  In a little while this dizziness went off, but her head throbbed and ached with aggravated violence.

At breakfast, she forced herself to swallow a small portion of food, although her stomach loathed it; and then, with trembling limbs and a feeling of faintness, she went out into the open air, and took her way to the store.  The fresh breeze, as it fell coolingly on her fevered forehead, revived her in a degree; but long ere she had reached the store her limbs were sinking under her with excessive fatigue.

“Late again, miss—­” said her employer, as she came in, with a look of stern reproof.

“I have not been very well, sir,” Anna replied, lifting her pale, languid face, and looking appealingly into the countenance of the store-keeper.

“Then you should stay at home altogether, Miss,” was is cold response, as he turned away, leaving her to proceed to her accustomed station at the counter.