She dared not leave her place, lest the least movement should disturb the sleeper. Sleep was so good for the child.
Beryl slept for nearly an hour. Then she opened her eyes and looked calmly at her governess. Short as had been her slumber, its beneficent influence was plain. Delirium had ceased; there was recognition in the glance of content which rested on Miss Burton's face.
"Miss Burton," she whispered in a faint, weak voice, "you won't leave me, will you? You won't go away?"
"No, no, darling; I will not leave you," said Miss Burton, bending to give her some jelly. "Now take this and then close your eyes, and try to sleep again, whilst I watch beside you."
"But you won't go away," repeated the child; "because if you do, they will put me in the water; they mean to, I know."
"No, my darling, I will not leave you," Miss Burton assured her; "no one shall put you into the water; I will take care of you."
Beryl looked satisfied. Her nurse arranged her pillows more comfortably, and in a few moments Beryl's eyes again closed, and her quiet, regular breathing showed that she was sound asleep. Miss Burton stepped lightly to the door and opened it. Slight as was the sound, Mr. Hollys heard it, and came from the next room.
"How is she?" he asked fearfully.
"Better, really better, I believe," replied Miss Burton in a low voice. "She is fast asleep; come and look at her."
Mr. Hollys followed her into the room, and tears rushed to his eyes at the sight of Beryl peacefully sleeping. He sat down at one side of the bed and Miss Burton at the other, and together they thus watched the child for several hours, till Beryl woke, weak and helpless as a baby, but without fever and free from delusions.