"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay."
"The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.
I love Thee Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh."
"Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there."
The voice grew softer and softer; then it ceased altogether and Luke knew Pat was asleep.
He so dreaded to meet Rachel that he stayed up in his study till he heard her footstep outside. When she opened the door she found him sitting over the fire in an attitude of deep depression, and knew at once that somehow he had learnt the news about her. Kneeling by his side she laid her head on his breast.
"You mustn't worry about me dearest," she said, "I think myself that Dr. Fleming is a pessimist and has made a mistake. Anyhow I don't mean to act as if what he said was true. I shall just go on as I have done before; that is to say after a little rest. I suppose I must have that."
Luke was silent. He hardly thought that she could be aware of her serious condition.
"Why did you not tell me?" he asked after a pause. There was a tone of reproach in his voice.
"I didn't want to worry you, you have so much to trouble you. Besides, I don't suppose there is anything really the matter with me. Doctors make such mistakes."
He took up one of her hands and looked at it. He was shocked to notice how thin it was.
He held it to his lips and kissed it. The unusual action almost broke Rachel's self-control.
She rose saying, "I must go now and see after the supper. Polly will wonder where I am." But once out of the room her tears began to flow.