"It is but little past ten. He must be still awake. Could I not slip in for a moment, just to speak to him? I would not stay."
"He has been asleep for some time. It would be better not to disturb him, wouldn't it?"
"If he is asleep—of course," answered Sara Carroll. But her tone was a disappointed one.
"You will see him in the morning," said the elder lady, leading the way within.
"But a whole night to wait is so long!"
"You do not intend, I presume, to pass this one in wakefulness?" said Madam Carroll.
Sara laughed. "Scar, too, is asleep, I suppose?"
"Yes. But Scar you can waken, if you like; he falls asleep again readily. He is in the first room at the head of the stairs."
The girl flew off, coming back with a bright face. "Dear little fellow!" she said, "his hands and cheeks are as soft as ever. I am so glad that he has not grown into a great, rough boy. It is a year and a half since I have seen him, and he seems exactly the same."
"He is the same," said Madam Carroll. "He does not grow."