For a few days she was allowed to sit by her Fairy Prince only while Mammy Leezer made his gruel and steeped certain herbs she had brought with her. Then Mammy trusted her to watch him while she stole away about ten minutes at a time to indulge in a comforting little smoke.
Lionel was said to be doing well, although he lay with closed eyes and did not seem to know any one. His father rode to Great Bridge on Lord Rollin, but did not long remain. He was not welcome in camp; there was nothing he could do, so he went away telling Mammy Leezer he should come soon again.
It was Sally's best hour of the day when Mammy Leezer went to the cook-room to prepare gruel and she was left alone with her Fairy Prince.
One rosy afternoon in late December, she bent over him and gently pushed a lock back from his forehead. It would not stay, and for a moment she held the fair lock back.
To her surprise she all at once looked into the deep blue eyes, which were open and looking directly into her own.
"Who is it?" he whispered.
Sally flushed, dimpled, smiled; but for an instant could not turn her eyes away.
"Who is it?" asked a weak voice.
"A Fairy," she said, in a spirit of mischief.
"Who is it?" came in a little stronger tone.