"How do you feel, Edna? I believe that is your name."
"Thank you, my head is better, but I am very thirsty." The lady of the house gave her some iced water in a silver goblet, and ordered a servant to bring up the refreshments she had directed prepared. As she felt the girl's pulse, Edna noticed how white and soft her hands were, and how dazzlingly the jewels flashed on her fingers, and she longed for the touch of those aristocratic hands on her hot brow, where the hair clustered so heavily.
"How old are you, Edna?"
"Almost thirteen."
"Had you any luggage on the train?"
"I had a small box of clothes."
"I will send a servant for it." She rang the bell as she spoke.
"When do you think I shall be able to walk about?"
"Probably not for many weeks. If you need or wish anything you must not hesitate to ask for it. A servant will sit here, and you have only to tell her what you want."
"You are very kind, ma'am, and I thank you very much—" She paused, and her eyes filled with tears.