Meanwhile little Stella Knight, having looked over the contents of the chest-of-drawers, returned to her old post by the window. She had not been peering out long into the gathering darkness when the house-keeper entered and seized her by the hand.
"Your mother wants you, Miss Stella," she said. Her manner was somewhat flurried, and the child gazed at her in surprise.
"Mother wants me!" in amazed accents. "Wants me!"
"Yes, my dear. Come!"
"Had I not better brush my hair first? Mother will be angry if I do not look nice."
"No! no! Come at once! She will not notice! She is too ill!"
Impressed by the woman's manner, Stella followed her obediently, and in another moment entered her mother's room.
The autumn day was waning now. There was no light in the apartment save from the flames in the grate that flickered fitfully. Mrs. Knight lay breathing quietly, her eyes closed. Her brother-in-law stood on one side of the bed, whilst Sister Ellen, who was at the foot went forward and taking Stella by the hand led her to her mother's side.
The doctor was conscious of a brilliant little figure in scarlet, and a pair of very bright eyes that met his curiously.
"How are you, mother?" asked a gentle, sedate voice. "I hope you are better."