Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/216

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Virgo, the Virgin
199

contented and unhappy and cross. And now I am not discontented; I am very contented! Is n't that-the breaking of a spell?"

"No, it is n't!" she replied; "I want to know what has to be done to make you well, so that you can walk, and do everything!"

Bertrand looked gravely into her flushed face.

"I shall never be well," he said simply and bravely.

Ellie's eyes grew wide with dismay. The story was so real to her that she could not accept any but the proper ending.

"You shall be well!" she cried, and gave Bertrand a fervent embrace, and fled home to her mother.

Mrs. Vaughn was astonished to see her little daughter come flying into the room in tears. She drew her to her side, stroked her hair, and got her to tell the tale of what had so disturbed her.

"I am very sorry for you, dear," she