"I don't know—I want to understand."
"We live in Old Maxham, and I live with my aunt. Never mind. You'll know soon. And I mustn't let you talk?"
"It will not hurt me. Where is—?" She paused, and seemed to think painfully. The sound of her voice aroused the dog, asleep in a corner. He came to the bedside, with his soft padding step, and poked a cold nose into her hand. "Hero!" she said, and she burst into tears.
"Don't! Please don't!" entreated Jessie. "You'll feel better soon. What a beauty Hero is!"
"Dear old Hero! He—I suppose he saved my life. I have been trying to remember. He was—on the deck with me. After that—" and a break, "I can't remember anything else."
"He kept you afloat; and they took you into the boat."
"Ah!"
"I've got to give you some medicine now."
Mildred received it with a quiet "Thank you." Then she said, "I suppose I have been ill?"
"Yes. But you are getting on nicely. Couldn't you go to sleep now?"