CHAPTER XV.
THE EMPTY CRADLE.
HEN Cherry and Jem had really set forth to the hospital, Meg, who had been lying very quiet for some time, opened her eyes and spoke to her mother-in-law.
"Are you very busy, dear mother?" she asked.
"No, my dear, I have nothing to do now but to wait on you. Do you want anything?"
Meg was silent for a moment, and Mrs. Seymour saw traces of tears on her face, which, however, Meg was evidently anxious should not be noticed.
"You feel a little low, my dear," observed Mrs. Seymour kindly; "but you will be better soon, I hope."
"No," said Meg; "I don't exactly feel low, mother; but should you think it very wrong in me to ask you to let me hold him once more?"