‘Esther is of no use.’
‘And therefore I do not like to leave her so long alone with Jane. Pray spare me a little smile.’
‘Then come back soon.’
Lily was glad to escape with no more objections. She found Jane complaining of thirst, but to swallow gave her great pain, and she required so much attendance for some little time, that Emily’s bell was twice rung before Esther could be spared to go to her.
She soon came back, saying, ‘Miss Mohun wants you directly, Miss Lilias.’
‘Tell her I will come presently,’ said Lily, who had one hand pressed on Jane’s burning temples, while the other was sprinkling her with ether.
‘Stay,’ said Jane, faintly, and Esther left the room.
Jane drew her breath with so much difficulty that a dreadful terror seized upon Lily, lest she should be suffocated. She raised her head, and supported her till Esther could bring more pillows. Esther brought a message from Emily to hasten her return; but Jane could not be left, and the grateful look she gave her as she arranged the pillows repaid her for all her toils. After a little time Jane became more comfortable, and said in a whisper, ‘Dear Lily, I wish I was not so troublesome.’
Back came Esther at this moment, saying, ‘Miss Emily says she is worse, and wants you directly, Miss Lilias.’
Lily hurried away to Emily’s room, and found what might well have tried her temper. Emily was flushed indeed, and feverish, but her breathing was smooth and even, and her hand and pulse cool and slow, compared with the parched burning hands, and throbbings, too quick to count, which Lily had just been watching.