"Oh, you've come!" he cried, with a breath of relief, "Why did you stay away—so—long?"
"I did n't know you wanted me till now, Uncle David," replied the soft voice.
"Come nearer, child! Let me feel you little hand! I dreamed—I dreamed—you were gone—forever!"
"He lay quiet for a moment, her cool fingers in his hot, trembling palm. Then he startled her bu the sudden cry:—
"That water! It's dripping, dripping right on my head! Eva, put up your hand, and catch it!"
Standing beside his pillow, Polly held her hand high.
"I'll catch it all, Uncle David," she assured him. "You shan't feel another drop!"
"That's a good girl! You always are a good girl, Eva! Seems as —if—"
The voice trailed off into confused mutterings, and with trembling fingers he began picking at the sheet and working it into tiny rolls.
Very gently Polly took one of the restless hands in both her own, and smoothed it tenderly.