"Is Miss Oliver any better?" asked Miss Althorpe; "and have you found——"
I put up my finger in warning. Of all things, it was most necessary that the sick woman should not know my real reason for being there.
"She is asleep," I answered quietly, "and I think I have found out what is the matter with her."
Miss Althorpe seemed to understand. She cast a look of solicitude towards the bed and then turned towards me.
"I cannot rest," said she, "and will sit with you for a little while, if you don't mind."
I felt the implied compliment keenly.
"You can do me no greater favor," I returned.
She drew up an easy-chair. "That is for you," she smiled, and sat down in a little low rocker at my side.
But she did not talk. Her thoughts seemed to have recurred to some very near and sweet memory, for she smiled softly to herself and looked so deeply happy that I could not resist saying:
"These are delightful days for you, Miss Althorpe."