She uttered a cry.
"Oh! Aunt Matty! Aunt Matty!"
"I hope he is not in great danger," I said, anxious to soothe her. "He was able to talk with me, and he had a comfortable sleep."
She put her hands in mine, with a look so beseeching and helpless, that I answered as if she had spoken.
"He asked for you," I said. "He wants to see you, Jessie."
She shrunk back, and held up her hands like a child pleading for pity.
"Oh! I cannot go! indeed I cannot!"
"That is unlike you, Jessie. I did not think you would have refused a sick friend any request!"
"Don't blame me—please don't! I would do anything for him; but, indeed, I have not the courage to go there."
"Why, what do you fear, my child? I am sure he would not for the world speak a syllable that could pain you."