She was wide enough awake now, and suffering from a horrible sick headache with all its attendant discomforts. She was sure she was going to die, and would have Marion send for the doctor directly.
"Humph!" said Doctor Noble, whose tongue was not under much better government than Gerty's own, and who had, besides, an old grudge to revenge. "It isn't very hard to see what is the matter. Doctor Smith's patients are very apt to have such attacks. You'll do well enough, only don't take quite so much next time."
Marion sat up with Gerty nearly all night. In the morning she was better, but really sick and miserable enough to be grateful for Marion's care.
"Did any one see me—Mary or any one?" she asked.
"No; I took care of that," said Marion.
"That was clever in you. Of course it was an accident. I hope Doctor Noble will hold his tongue."
"I should not think he would be likely to speak of it," said Marion.
"He may tell his wife, though; and if he does, every one will know it. They will be glad enough to get a handle against me. Marion, whatever you do, don't tell Asahel."
"Of, course not," answered Marion; "but, Gerty, I do wish you would leave off that stuff altogether. I'm sure it is not good for you. Just see how miserable you are this morning, and you grow thin every day."
"Oh, that is only because I took too much. I shall be more careful another time, but I can't leave it off all at once, after taking it so long."