'You darling, how pale and worried you look!' exclaimed Bessie, as she hugged her friend; 'and why didn't you let me come before?'
'You could have done me no good, dear, when my troubles were at the worst. Thank God the worst is over now—Vernie is getting on splendidly. He was downstairs to-day, and ate such a dinner. We were quite afraid he would bring on a relapse from over-eating. He is delighted at the idea of seeing you and Mr. Jardine.'
'Has he gone to bed? I'll go up to see him at once, if I may,' said John
Jardine.
'He is in his own room. He asked to stop up till seven on purpose to see you.'
'Then I'll go to him this instant.'
The luggage had been brought out of the light T cart, and the Drummer Boy had been led round to the stables. Ida took Bessie to a room at the end of the house, remote from Brian's apartments.
'Why, this isn't our usual room!' said Bessie, astonished.
'No, I thought this would be a pleasanter room in such warm weather. It looks east,' Ida answered, rather feebly.
'It's a very nice room; only I felt more at home in the other. I have occupied it so often, you know, I felt almost as if it were my own. Oh, you cruel girl! why didn't you let me come sooner? I wanted so to be with you in your trouble; and I offered to come directly I heard Vernie was ill!'
'I know, dear; but you could have done no good. We were in God's hands.
We could only pray and wait.'