Edith did not reply, but closed her eyes, as if to sleep.
Alma telegraphed to Howard, who replied, that if it was not really serious, he could not come for two days on account of important business.
Betty, however, took the next train to Boonville, and arrived there about dark.
"Alma," she said, "I told President Gladder all about this sad affair, and he said I could stay to help you until both were better."
"O, I'm so thankful!" exclaimed Alma, relieved. "Edith has a wrong idea that she is going to die. You must talk it out of her directly."
Betty was pale but calm, when she approached Edith's bedside. For a moment she silently gazed at the sweet face on the pillow. The closed eyelids slowly opened, and Edith looked at her with a great fondness.
"So you've come, Betty dear? I knew you would."
Betty knelt down by the bed and, taking both hot hands in hers, she kissed them again and again.
"My Edith! dearest, of course I came! Now I'll stay with you until I've helped you get quite well. President Gladder said I could."
"He's kind, Betty, God will bless him. But, Betty, I'm not going to get well."