This had a quieting effect, and he lay still for so long that Dr. Dudley drew Polly softly away, letting her rest on his knee, her head against his shoulder.
But in a moment the old call burst out:—
"Eva! Eva! Where are you, Eva?"
Her prompt assurance, "I'm right here, Uncle David!" hushed him at once. Presently, however, he began again.
"Eva! Eva! You love your old uncle, don't you, Eva? Just a— little—bit?"
"More than a little bit! I love you dearly, Uncle David!"
"Don't go away any more! Promise, Eva! Promise me!"
"I'll stay just as long as you want me Uncle David. Can't you go to sleep? Remember, I'll be right here all the time!"
Reassured by this, he closed his eyes, and was quiet for a while; yet only to rouse again and repeat the same old cry.
The thunder was now only an occasional rumble in the distance, and the lightning had faded to a glimmer; but the rain still kept on, and as the nurse raised another window the ceaseless patter of the drops seemed to disturb the sick man, for he began his complaint of the dripping water upon his head.