Mary remained alone with her father. His sweet, gentle face called to her; she threw herself down beside him again and sobbed. For him whom she loved best she had done least. Perhaps only because he never drew attention to himself?
She did not leave him until the doctor came, and with him the nurse. Then she went to Mrs. Dawes.
Mrs. Dawes was ill and in despair. Mary tried to comfort her, but she interrupted passionately: "I have been too well off. I have felt too secure. Now misfortune is at hand."
Mary started, for the thought had been in her own heart all the time.
"You are losing us both, poor child! And the money too!"
Mary did not like her mentioning the money. Mrs. Dawes felt this and said:
"You don't understand me, my poor child! It is not your fault, it is ours. We gave in to you too much. But you behaved so badly if we did not."
Mary looked up, startled: "I behaved badly?"
"I spoke to your father, child; I spoke to him on the subject often. But he was so tender-hearted; he always found some excuse."
Jörgen entered with the doctor.