Nellie held her hand, and felt it a comfort to be able to cry, which Christina understood; for she made no effort to talk, but smoothed back her hair and stroked her hand in silence.
So they remained for nearly an hour, till Nellie had wept all her tears away. Then she sat up and looked round the room with a shiver.
"Where is Ada?" asked Christina.
"On her bed; she has not moved or eaten to-day."
"Oh, Nellie!"
"It is so dreadful; but papa says 'let her alone.'"
"I will go to her. Do you think I could have a cup of tea to take with me?"
"I will ring for it."
Christina turned to the somewhat disordered room, and began putting the chairs in their places, and making it look as usual. Nellie watched her in silence, feeling too miserable to do anything else.
When Simmons came in answer to the bell, Christina asked if she might have a cup of tea to take to Miss Ada.