Chapter XXIX. Ruby

           THEchildrenweredelightedwiththestory,andmademanyamusingremarksuponit.Mr.Raymondpromisedtosearchhisbrainforanother,andwhenhehadfoundonetobringittothem.DiamondhavingtakenleaveofNanny,andpromisedtogoandseeheragainsoon,wentawaywithhim.

           NowMr.RaymondhadbeenturningoverinhismindwhathecoulddobothforDiamondandforNanny.HehadthereforemadesomeacquaintancewithDiamond’sfather,andhadbeengreatlypleasedwithhim.Buthehadcometotheresolution,beforehedidanythingsogoodashewouldliketodoforthem,toputthemalltoacertaintest.Soastheywalkedawaytogether,hebegantotalkwithDiamondasfollows:—

           “Nannymustleavethehospitalsoon,Diamond.”

           “I’mgladofthat,sir.”

           “Why?Don’tyouthinkit’saniceplace?”

           “Yes,very.Butit’sbettertobewellanddoingsomething,youknow,evenifit’snotquitesocomfortable.”

           “Buttheycan’tkeepNannysolongastheywouldlike.Theycan’tkeephertillshe’squitestrong.Therearealwayssomanysickchildrentheywanttotakeinandmakebetter.Andthequestionis,Whatwillshedowhentheysendheroutagain?”

           “That’sjustwhatIcan’ttell,thoughI’vebeenthinkingofitoverandover,sir.Hercrossingwastakenlongago,andIcouldn’tbeartoseeNannyfightingforit,especiallywithsuchapoorfellowashastakenit.He’squitelame,sir.”

           “Shedoesn’tlookmuchlikefighting,now,doesshe,Diamond?”

           “No,sir.Shelookstoolikeanangel.