"Is it late?" asked she.
"Very late," answered Irene, without turning her head.
"Does Cara cough to-night?"
"I have not heard her cough to-day." Malvina rose, but tottered so much that she was forced to rest her hand on the edge of the table. She seemed greatly wearied.
"Go to sleep. Good-night!" said she, passing her daughter.
Irene looked at her tottering step and followed her quickly a number of paces.
"Mamma!" cried she.
"What, Ira?"
Irene stood before her mother a moment, her lips were quivering with words which she withheld, till she bent, kissed her mother's hand gently, and said in her usual manner:
"Good-night!"