“Thank Heaven! Good-night,” said the squire, as he turned away and entered his own little room.
He retired to bed, too happy to sleep until near morning, when at length he sank to rest.
CHAPTER XLIII
HUSBAND AND WIFE
It was late in the morning when Abel Force was awakened by a gentle tapping at his chamber door.
“Who is there?” he inquired, as he hastily arose, thrust his feet into slippers, drew on his dressing gown, and opened the door.
“It is I, papa,” said Wynnette, in a cheerful voice, and with a bright smile, that at once dispelled the squire’s fears for his wife, which had been aroused by the summons.
“How is your mother?” he inquired.
“She is better, papa. She is awake now. Dr. Bolton says that we may see her, but only one at a time. I thought you would like to be the first, so I came to call you. I did not know that you were still asleep. It is late, you see.”
“Yes, it is late; but I was up nearly all night. Thank Heaven that your mother is better. Come in, Wynnette.”
“Hadn’t I better leave you to dress, papa?”