'But some one ought to go down to Church Street to look after things,' she began.
'Church Street can wait. There's no hurry at Church Street now.'
'And uncle hasn't been told yet ... I'm not at all over-tired, doctor.'
'Yes, mother dear, you are, and you must do as the doctor orders.' It was Ethel who had come into the room; she touched Leonora's arm caressingly.
'And where are you girls to sleep? The spare room isn't——'
'Oh, mother!—-- Just listen to her, doctor!' said Ethel, stroking her mother's hand, as though she and the doctor were two old and sage persons, and Leonora was a small child.
'They think I'm ill! They think I'm going to collapse!' The idea struck her suddenly. 'But I'm not. I'm quite well, and my brain is perfectly clear. And anyhow, I'm sure I can't sleep.' She said aloud: 'It wouldn't be any use; I shouldn't sleep.'
'Ah! I'll attend to that, I'll attend to that!' the doctor laughed. 'Ethel, help your mother to bed.' He departed.
'This is really most absurd,' Leonora reflected. 'It's ridiculous. However, I'm only doing it to oblige them.'
Before she was entirely undressed, Rose entered with a powder in a white paper, and a glass of hot milk.