‘Well, my dear Emily, I am sorry you do not feel better; what can I do for you?’
‘How can I be better while I am left so long, and Esther not coming when I ring? What would happen if I were to faint away?’
‘Indeed, I am very sorry,’ said Lily; ‘but when you rang, poor Jenny could spare neither of us.’
‘How is poor Jenny?’ said Emily.
‘Her throat is very bad, but she is quite sensible now, and wishes to have me there. What did you want, Emily?’
‘Oh! I wish you would draw the curtain, the light hurts me; that will do—no—now it is worse, pray put it as it was before. Oh! Lily, if you knew how ill I am you would not leave me.’
‘Can I do anything for you—will you have some coffee?’
‘Oh! no, it has a bad taste, I am sure it is carelessly made.’
‘Shall I make you some fresh, with the spirit lamp?’
‘No, I am tired of it. I wonder if I might have some tamarinds?’