"You must try. I won't stay with you, if you talk any more."
"Oh, then, I'll stay perfectly quiet! but I know I shan't sleep."
Cecil prepared the sal volatile, and bringing it to Molly's side, made her drink it. Then she straightened the bed-clothes, and, laying her cool hand on Molly's hot forehead, sat down beside her. In spite of herself the tired girl's heavy eyes closed, and she slept.
It was quite early in the morning when she awoke. Cecil was still seated by her bedside. She started up with a cry.
"Oh, Cecil, what has happened? Is she—is she alive? I have been dreaming about her all night. Have you—have you heard anything?"
"No; but we might go and inquire now," said Cecil.
Molly sprang eagerly out of bed.
"Oh, you darling! Let us go immediately!" she cried.
She put on her dressing gown, and, taking Cecil's hand, stole softly with her out of the room. The long corridors were all deserted; the first dawn of the cold daylight was creeping in through the windows; the cheerful house looked ghastly and deserted. Molly shivered as she accompanied Cecil to the door of Kate's room. The girls had just reached the door when Dr Groves came out.