“Well, I don’t know as I do. I’ve never tried them!” And Patty ran out of the room.
CHAPTER XVI
THE PROMISE
On returning to Mrs. Van Reypen’s room, Patty found that lady sleeping quietly, so she herself went to bed on a couch in the dressing-room adjoining. Next morning, the patient was weak and ill, and when the doctor arrived he sent at once for two nurses. Patty went home, feeling sad, for she feared her kind old friend might not survive this illness.
But Nan cheered her up, saying that while grip was sometimes a serious matter, more often, it was light and of short duration.
“But it is contagious,” Nan went on, “and I don’t want you to catch it, Patty. Don’t go over there again, until Mrs. Van Reypen gets better.”
Patty agreed to this, but a few days later, there came such an imperative summons from Mrs. Van Reypen that Patty felt she must respond to the call.
“Well, don’t go very near her,” begged Nan, as Patty started. “You are susceptible to colds, and if you get grip, it will wear you out.”
Reaching the house, Patty was shocked at the appearance of Mrs. Van Reypen. She was emaciated and her face had a waxen pallor. But her dark eyes were feverishly bright, and she greeted Patty with an eager smile. Then she sent the nurse from the room, with peremptory orders not to return until called.