"No, I'm not hungry, only sick," said Susie. And, unable to sit up any longer, she laid herself down on the bed. Elfie waited a minute or two, and then took the apple and crusts across to her; but Susie took no notice of her repeated entreaties to eat, and at last Elfie grew frightened. She put the apple down, and bent over the pale, inanimate face, and kissed the cold lips.
"O Susie, open your eyes, or speak to me!" she said, beginning to cry.
But there was only a faint moan in response to her pleadings, and she flew off to knock at the door of one of the other lodgers. But the woman was not at home, and Elfie ran downstairs and out into the street, taking the way towards the school as the only place of friendly refuge.
Just as she was turning a corner, panting and breathless, she ran against the teacher, which brought her to an abrupt standstill.
"You need not be in such a hurry to-night, Elfie; there's no school, you know."
Elfie had forgotten this; but for a minute or two she could not speak, but looked into the teacher's face.
"Don't you remember I told you there was to be a meeting of gentlemen to talk about getting a home or refuge for some of you poor children?" said the teacher.
Elfie nodded. "I know," she said; "but do come to Susie, teacher."
"To Susie! What is the matter with her?" asked the teacher.
"I don't know, but I think she is going to die." And Elfie's tears broke out afresh.