She must have fallen into a doze, for the next thing of which she was aware was Lucy's voice in her ear, and opening her eyes she saw Lucy bending over her, candle in hand.
"Have you seen her?" she asked, sitting up with a dazed air.
"I am back this very minute. Gertrude, what have you been doing to yourself?"
"Oh, I am all right." She rose with a little smile. "Let me look at you, Lucy. Actually roses on your cheek."
"Gertrude, Gertrude, what has happened to you? Have I come—Oh, Gerty, have I come too late?"
"No," said Gertrude, "but she is very ill."
Lucy put her arms round her sister.
"And I have left you alone through these days. Oh, my poor Gerty."
They went upstairs together, and Lucy passed into the invalid's room, Gertrude remaining in the outer apartment, which was her own.
In about ten minutes Lucy came out sobbing. "Oh, Phyllis, Phyllis," she wept below her breath.