"I don't know, miss. He's been playing in the streets all day, I expect. Anyway he said I was to give it you when nobody was looking. It's Miss Ruth's writing, miss."
Rose made no remark upon this, but asked: "Did he say who gave it to him?"
"A young lady he said, miss."
"That will do, Prissy."
"Can I do anything for you, miss?
"Nothing, thank you."
Prissy gone, Rose looked at the envelope, and saw written in one corner, "Read this when you are alone." Troubled and perplexed, she stood with the letter in her hand, but when the door was opened again and the doctor was announced she put it hastily into her pocket and went forward to meet him.
Dr. Roberts had attended Rachel for some years past, and took the deepest interest in her.
"Sleeping," he said, stepping to her side. He turned to Rose, and questioning her, learned why he had been sent for.
"She falls asleep," he said, with his fingers on Rachel's pulse. "Ah, you are awake," as Rachel sat upright. "Now let us see what is the matter. You are not in pain? No. That's good."