Basil bent over her, and kissed her; she tried to rise, but had not strength.
"How good you are, how good, how good!" she sobbed.
Basil was shocked at her appearance, which had undergone a sad change since the previous evening. The faithful couple, after a long and anxious life, seemed to be both waiting for the summons from the angel of death.
"It is my turn now to nurse you," said Basil, pityingly.
"No, you must not; the kind doctor has sent for a nurse; you must take care of yourself. There is a long and happy life before you, and you must not waste your days upon old people like us. Are your father's eyes closed."
"Yes."
"He wishes to speak to you when he wakes. He is quite sensible, and has something to say to you. Doctor, I must speak to my son alone."
He was about to forbid any serious conversation, but, looking attentively at her, he did not speak the words that came to his lips. He nodded, and beckoned to Basil, who joined him at the door of the room.
"I am going now," he said, "and shall return at noon. Do not let your mother exhaust herself. If she speaks excitedly, calm her down and beg her, for your sake--it is the appeal that will have the best effect upon her--to speak more slowly."
"But had she not better wait till she is stronger?"