"I meant that," said Tom.
So she fell asleep quietly, resting her weary heart on those blessed words.
They sat silently by her for some time, but presently Dr. Arundel whispered to them to go to bed.
Ada came and stood by the bedside and looked down on her mother; then, turning away, she left the room in obedience to her father's wish.
"I will stay with her till two o'clock," said Dr. Arundel to the nurse, "then you can come."
He sat down by her, and the only sound within was the ticking of his watch, while without, the roar and rumble of the great city went on the same as ever.
Every half-hour he was forced to disturb her, to take the required food or medicine; but he allowed her to rest again without rousing her to speak.
When, after an hour or two's quiet sleep, she opened her eyes, she found only her husband by her and little Tom breathing softly on her pillow.
"How little we thought, dear, it could be like this," she said.
"How do you feel, love, now?" he asked.