"You must not talk to her," remarked the woman; "she needs to be very quiet."
"I won't speak a word unless she asks me to," answered the young girl, sitting down by the bed-side, as the dark woman disappeared, closing the door softly behind her.
After a few moments' silence the sick woman stirred and parted the curtains slightly with her wan hand. Florence rose. "Do you want anything, mother?" she asked.
"No, my dear, I have been asleep. Where is Hannah?"
"Gone below. I think to send father for Dr. Potipher."
"I hope not," said the invalid; "it is not necessary. This is only one of my common attacks. I shall be as well as usual in a few days."
"Do you think so, mother?" asked Florence, brightening. "I feared you were very ill. I had something particular to say, but I was not going to say it, for fear of hurting you."
"What is it, dear?" inquired the mother.
"Something papa and I have been talking about down on the piazza to-night."
"Well," said the sick woman, looking affectionately on the earnest expression and downcast lids of Florence's large hazel eyes.