Hecla crept into them and hid her face, and said not a word either, but only sobbed, forgetting that she was not to cry any more; and Auntie Millicent stroked her hair and fondled her with trembling fingers.
"I know you are sorry, Hecla," came at last in a whisper.
"Oh, auntie, I'm so dreadfully sorry," gasped the child, feeling as if she had never known before how much she loved this kind auntie.
"Yes, I know, and you will never do so again. And we must thank God—mustn't we?"
And they clung faster still together.
Then Dr. Evans walked in and said, "Hullo! This won't do."
"I had to see the child, Dr. Evans. I could not put off any longer."
"You should have asked my leave first."
"How is Ivy?" asked Miss Storey.
"Better, I hope. Sound asleep, and that is the great thing. Miss Anne will be with her all night. And you are not to be anxious."