“And what a thorough animal you are!” thought the lady, as she left the happy creature delighting herself in the fragrance of lavender and amber.
One more visit Mrs. Force made before she sought her own pillow. She went into Odalite’s room, and found her sleeping quietly, with little Elva, in a warm wrapper, lying in an easy chair by her side.
“Why, my little darling, why are you not in bed?” inquired the lady.
“Oh, mamma, because I thought I would sit here with Odalite until you should come, to see if she should want anything.”
“It was a kind thought, my tender, little love; but now you may go to bed. Kiss me. God bless you, little tender heart!”
And so, with love and kisses and blessings, Elfrida Force dismissed her gentlest child to rest.
Then she bent over Odalite, and saw that she was sleeping well and breathing easily. She took her hand, and found that her skin was cool and moist, and her pulse was regular.
She kissed the sleeper on the brow, and then knelt and prayed for pardon of that long-past folly, as she prayed daily and nightly; she prayed for protection for those she loved from the machinations of the evil and the designing, and for guidance and help in her perplexities and sorrows. When she finished, she arose and left the chamber.