CHAPTER XXXI
It was a little over a year after this that Mrs. Gano's life was despaired of.
"A complication of troubles, no one of them very serious, but all together, and at her age—"
The doctor completed the sentence with a gesture.
The next day Ethan stood with his cousins at the bedside.
"I did not send for you," was Mrs. Gano's greeting.
"No; Val did," volunteered Emmie, who had not been told the result of the doctor's consultation.
"Val"—the sick woman raised her head—"you take a great deal upon yourself."
She sank back exhausted. Val could not read in Ethan's eyes that he had abandoned hope. But the girl's heart was full of dread. She went softly out of the room.
"Oh, grandma, you've hurt her feelings," said Emmie, gently.