“You should lie down and try to get some rest, my poor child. You look quite worn out,” whispered Dr. Sales, looking compassionately on Elfie’s thin, white face, and tremulous frame.
“I will, when Justin returns to the room. I must sleep an hour or two this afternoon, so as to be able to watch with her through the night, if indeed she should live so long,” assented Elfie.
And when Justin resumed his place by the bedside, Elfie retired to seek her much needed sleep, warning them all to have her called if any change should take place in Erminie.
It was as well Elfie went away when she did, for if she had remained in the sick room five minutes longer, no one would have been able to persuade her to go to rest.
For scarcely was the tired girl safe within her sanctuary, before old Frederica came hobbling up stairs, and put her head into the door of the sick room.
Justin arose softly and went to her.
“What is it, Frederica?” he asked.
“I want Miss Elfie.”
“She has gone to lie down. She must not be disturbed on any account. Can I supply her place?”
“Well, she asked for Miss Elfie, sir. But if Miss Elfie can’t see her, I suppose you can.”