Magda kept her seat uncomfortably; and the door opened slowly. "Who is there? Nurse?" Patricia asked.
"It's not nurse," a soft voice said.
"I can't see anybody. Go away, please. It is a mistake. Magda, you needn't wait. I'd rather be alone."
"It's Bee," the voice said. "I did not know Magda was here. The maid told me she was gone, and she said I could not come upstairs. And I have come—against orders. I wanted so much to see you, dear."
Patricia turned sullenly away, hiding her face with both hands. Bee came through the dim room to her side, knelt down, and took Patricia into her arms, holding her in a firm and tender grasp. Nothing more was said. Magda looked on in wonder. Bee remained perfectly still; and in a few seconds Patricia turned a little, so that her face rested against Bee's dress. She was sobbing now, hard convulsive sobs; and at first Bee allowed the passionate distress to have its way. Presently the nurse, coming in and finding them thus, murmured—
"She ought not. It is bad for her eyes."
"Some water, please," Bee said in a smothered voice; and a glass being brought, she held it to Patricia's lips.
"You poor darling!—take some," she said with a sob.
Patricia looked up in utter amazement, to see those brown eyes streaming.
"Bee! You don't really care!" she gasped. "I thought nobody—nobody—would ever care again!"