Frances stood by his side, listening to his uncertain breathing while other words sprang up all-unbidden in her mind, almost finding their way to her lips.
“From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil,—Good Lord deliver us!”
CHAPTER X
THE WOMAN’S RIGHT
“He is still sleeping very peacefully,” said Mrs. Dermot, with a grateful look at Frances. “You had a very composing effect upon him this afternoon. I hope it did not tire you very badly.”
It was supper-time, and they had met at the table in the old farm-kitchen, which Lucy and Nell had been spreading with the home produce. It was the one meal of the day at which the whole family as a rule assembled, but Dolly and Milly were absent on this occasion in the sick-room, and Arthur and Maggie had not entered.
“It did not tire me at all,” Frances answered. “I was very, very glad to be of any use. I hope you will let me do it again.”
“You are very good,” said Mrs. Dermot. “He will be better after this for a time. A long, unbroken sleep always brings him back. Won’t you sit down?”
“Did you sleep?” Frances asked.
“Oh, yes, Mother slept,” said Lucy. “I took in her tea, and she never even knew.”
“She needed it badly enough,” put in Elsie. “She’s been up three nights running.”