"Come—oh, quickly, quickly!"
Bettina had heard the fall overhead.
Our mother lay on the floor, Bettina standing over her, agonised, helpless.
We lifted her on to the bed. We loosened her clothing, and brought water, and bathed her temples.
She opened her eyes and smiled—then the lids went down. Still that look, the look that made her a stranger.
Was this death?...
Bettina shrank from it. But I told her not to leave the room a second. I would bring the doctor quickly.
Bettina's face.... "I cannot stay alone," she whispered.
"I will send up one of the servants."
She held my arm. "Suppose ... while you are gone—— Oh, I am afraid."