LADY BETTY'S ADVENTURE
It was a week before Kit was allowed to see all her friends. Bet was given permission to slip in once in a while, just to reassure the sick girl that she was all right. Kit kept worrying and would wake up terrified, believing that Bet had been drowned.
Shirley and Joy made daily visits to the Manor. They helped Auntie Gibbs in the kitchen; they did everything they could for the nurse and even helped Mrs. Stacey so she could come and sit with Kit.
Bet was not allowed to get up, as the exposure and strain had made her heart play strange tricks.
"She's just tired, that's all," said the doctor. "Nothing to worry about," he assured Colonel Baxter, who was anxious as he looked at the pale face of his daughter.
"Tired and half frightened to death," laughed Bet as she pressed her father's hand. "It's good to be near you, Dad."
At first the doctor had forbidden anyone to mention the accident to Kit, but as she seemed to be worrying over something he finally told Bet to go and talk the matter over with her.
"Oh Bet, what do you think of me? It was all my fault!" exclaimed the sick girl, as she raised herself on her elbow.
"That's all nonsense. It was every bit mine. Dad says so and he ought to know."
"But I coaxed you to go across the river," moaned Kit. "I'll never forgive myself!"