"Only for a few minutes, mind," Mrs. Wallis told them, before admitting them into the sick room; "you must say or do nothing to excite her, remember."
They promised; but it needed all the self-control they could summon to their aid to enable them to keep their word, as their eyes fell upon their sister. She looked still terribly ill, "all eyes, like a young bird," as Eric said afterwards; but when she smiled she appeared more like her old self, for it was Joy's own happy smile that lit up the wan face. Eric kissed her in silence, his heart full to overflowing; then Celia's turn came, and as she bent over her sister, Joy whispered:
"We'll be better friends than ever, won't we?"
And Celia answered: "Oh, yes, yes!"
"I think I am going to get well," said Joy, bluntly. "Dr. Forbes thinks so too. I've been great trouble to everyone, but I'm so glad it as I who was hurt, and not mother or you."
"Oh, Joy, Uncle Jasper told me to give you his love."
"His love! To me?"
"Yes; and he's coming to see you soon."
"Oh, no, no! I don't want to see him! I'd rather not!"
There was a flush of excitement rising to the invalid's face, noting which Mrs. Wallis promptly hurried Celia and Eric from the room.