When she opened the door Star was up. She turned quite a haggard face towards the little woman.
"Why, Star, my dear," said Jessie, "haven't you been to bed all night?"
"No," replied Star; "I couldn't sleep. I sat by the window, and then I knelt by the window, and then—and then—— Oh, Jessie, is she dead? Tell me the worst; don't keep me in suspense. Is she dead, Jessie?"
"No, Star. I have good news for you. Oh, my child, don't give way!"
For Star had suddenly flung herself face downwards on her little bed, and with arms outstretched over the bedclothes, had given way to a burst of uncontrollable tears.
"She will live," said Star, amongst her choking sobs. "Oh! tell me what the doctor says."
"She is better. She slept until three this morning; then she awoke with the fever gone, looking very calm, but, oh, so weak! We gave her nourishment by spoonfuls, and she fell asleep again. The doctor has gone home for a couple of hours; he will be back soon after ten o'clock. Of course, her state is terribly precarious; but now Dr. Tarbut thinks there is every reason to hope."
"Yes, she will live now," said Star. She rose suddenly to her feet. "Thank you, Jessie," she said.
She ran up to the little woman, flung her arms round her neck, and kissed her passionately.