"Aunt Christian said she was disappointed in me, so she must have expected a good deal. How silly I have been! If I had only called Uncle Duncan the first minute! But then it was not only that. I was cross, I know, about doing the work. And I needn't have cried and made such a fuss afterward. I don't care. I can't help it now, but I mean to let them see to-morrow that I can do something and be of some use."
And with this resolution Marion at last fell asleep.
Marion had fully meant to be up very early and do all the work before her aunt was awake, but her wakeful night made her sleepy; and when she came down, she found breakfast all ready.
"Why, Aunt Barbara, why didn't you call me?" she exclaimed.
"You were so tired last night I thought I would let you sleep," answered Aunt Baby. "There was very little to do."
Marion was vexed; but remembering her resolution, she swallowed her vexation and asked, "How is Therese?"
"Very much better, we hope. She has no fever and is quite rational and composed. Uncle Duncan thinks there is no reason why she should not get well if she has no new shock. Mrs. Tremaine has sent word that she is coming up to stay with Therese to-day, and Fanchette Beaubien is with her already."
"Did Therese know her?"
"Oh yes, and was glad to see her. She was a little agitated at first, but Fanchette was so calm and sensible that she soon grew quiet again. Call grandfather, my dear, and let us have our breakfast."
Therese improved steadily after she once took the turn, and in the course of the week she was able to sit up, and even to come out into the common sitting-room. She was very docile and thankful, but sad and absent-minded, and it was evidently hard for her to interest herself in anything.