"He's doin' as well as possible——"
"Will he get well?"
"Yes, yes. The doctor is very hopeful."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. He's sleepin' now—quiet—ye'd better just lie back again."
"But I want to go to him, Aunt Tillie. I want to."
"No. Ye can't, dearie—not now."
And so by dint of reassurance and persuasion, Aunt Tillie prevailed upon the girl to lie back upon her pillows and after a while she slept again.
But Beth was no weakling and when the doctor came into her room some time later, the effects of her potion wearing away, she awoke to full consciousness. He saw the imploring question in her eyes, before he took her pulse and answered it with a quick smile.
"He's all right. Heart coming on nicely——"