"She was took about half an hour ago, Sir," said the man. "And the doctor, he say it would be as well for you to come round as soon as possible, and Mrs. Luke too. It's difficult to get a nurse just at once. But he say, that it ain't a really bad stroke. She can talk a bit, but is quite helpless on one side."
"We'll come at once," said Luke, reaching for his hat which hung on the peg. "You'll follow directly, won't you?" he added.
Rachel's thoughts flew at once to the baby who was sleeping peacefully upstairs, but who might wake any moment. She had never left him for more than a few minutes before. How could she leave him for an indefinite time in Polly's care! Polly was as good as gold, but had had no experience with babies. She was devoted to Pat, but her very devotion was likely to take an unwise form. She would probably give him anything he cried for, whether it were advisable or no. Rachel's heart sank at the prospect of leaving her little baby in her care.
"Is it quite necessary that we should both go?" she asked faintly.
Luke, forgetful of his little son, looked at her in surprise, and there was a tone of reproach in his voice as he said:
"Surely we must not fail my mother at this time. I am quite sure that she would feel it very unkind if you did not go to her."
"I will follow you," said Rachel.
She ran upstairs and looked at her boy. He was fast asleep in his crib. She always loved to look at him asleep; her whole heart went out him now as she leant down over him, giving him into God's keeping. She would have to trust him to the One Who loved him better than she did, but it was difficult not to be over anxious.
"Polly," she said, as after putting on her coat and hat, she went into the kitchen to give parting directions; "if I don't get back in time to give baby his bottle, be sure that you don't make it too hot, and that he doesn't take it too quickly. And if he cries, mind you don't give him anything but pat him gently and sing to him; then perhaps he won't notice that I am not with him."
"I'll be ever so careful of him, Ma'am," said Polly. "He shan't come to no harm I'll promise you."