‘Last night, Louisa.’
‘Who brought me here?’
‘Sissy, I believe.’
‘Why do you believe so?’
‘Because I found her here this morning. She didn’t come to my bedside to wake me, as she always does; and I went to look for her. She was not in her own room either; and I went looking for her all over the house, until I found her here taking care of you and cooling your head. Will you see father? Sissy said I was to tell him when you woke.’
‘What a beaming face you have, Jane!’ said Louisa, as her young sister—timidly still—bent down to kiss her.
‘Have I? I am very glad you think so. I am sure it must be Sissy’s doing.’
The arm Louisa had begun to twine around her neck, unbent itself. ‘You can tell father if you will.’ Then, staying her for a moment, she said, ‘It was you who made my room so cheerful, and gave it this look of welcome?’
‘Oh no, Louisa, it was done before I came. It was—’
Louisa turned upon her pillow, and heard no more. When her sister had withdrawn, she turned her head back again, and lay with her face towards the door, until it opened and her father entered.