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 watching an opportunity to slip out and dress herself in a petite robe de percale, and a bonnet à barbes, that she had prepared for the particular occasion; and which were not only becoming in themselves, but so appropriate that even the Doctor and the nurse must, she thought, be struck by her wonderfully good taste in dress. Arthur was fidgetting up and down the room, one minute looking out of the window and wondering the doctor did not come—the next assuring Blanche that she was better, that she looked better, felt better, and requesting her to agree with him, a complete impossibility under the circumstances, so that poor Blanche became only more nervous. Mrs. Hopkinson wisely hurried them all out of the room, advised Justine to see that the basket with the doll's caps, and the absurd pin-cushion with its 'welcome little stranger' were all ready; and told Arthur and Aileen to go and have some breakfast, and to send some to her; and she gave an every day turn to the state of affairs that was soothing.

An hour after, Arthur came with a face of