Jesus, Saviour, stand thou by!”
No more than this, but over and over again the prayer came solemnly—
“‘Jesus, Saviour stand thou by!’”
“He is not far-away,” Leo said quietly.
“No, my dear Leo—very near—in death and in life—always near,” was the reply, with calm emphasis.
Nessie, helplessly sobbing, had left the room, and Dulcibel at length could bear up no longer. But Joan showed no signs of breaking down. Pale as wax, she remained close beside her father, watching intensely every movement, anticipating every need.
Drowsiness again usurped sway over him, and George seemed passing into a heavy sleep. Would he ever wake from it again? Leo thought not. But by Joan’s wish an urgent messenger was sent again for the doctor, though not two hours had elapsed since his last call; and he came at once.
Almost immediately after Mr. Forest’s arrival, some one desired to speak to Leo outside the room. A few whispered words were exchanged in the passage, and when Leo reappeared, it was to say to Joan in an undertone—
“Mrs. Brooke wishes to see you.”
Joan shook her head.