“No; only through vacation.”
“They have gardeens, I s’pose?”
“Mr. Endicott is their sole guardian now, with the exception of an elder brother, who acts for them.”
“O!”
Then Aunt Letty fidgeted about.
“If you should want some one to help do the nussin’, I could take my knitting and sit up stairs. I haven’t much of anything to do, and I’d as lief.”
“No,” said mamma. “I am much obliged. Mrs. Whitcomb is coming over this evening.”
So Aunt Letty had to go away without seeing the patient. But she had considerable news to sow broadcast, which comforted her.
For the first two days I spent all my time in the sick room, while papa remained at night. The violent paroxysms were not very long at a time, and for the rest he only tumbled about and wanted a drink every few moments. Then Mrs. Whitcomb arrived, and I was partly released.
By Saturday Dr. Hawley had nearly given up the faintest hope. Every one knew who was meant when the prayer for the sick was used on Sunday. Something in papa’s voice touched me in a peculiar manner. In the great calm of earth and sky, it seemed so strange that any life should go out into utter nothingness! Why, the smallest insects were on the wing, and birds and bees went humming and soaring, with no anxious cares, just brim full of glad, free life.