"You are ill, and have not told me. I must see you in bed before I go out."
It was indeed true that a terrible lassitude had been stealing over her ever since the excitement of the morning. For two nights she had scarcely slept, and since breakfast she had barely tasted food.
"A cup of tea will revive me," she said, trying with a smile to allay Hepsey's too evident anxiety.
Then feeling herself grow more languid, she said, aloud,—
"I can't give up now. I must find that package, I must, if I search all night."
The tea was brought and eagerly swallowed, but the temples still throbbed, and at last the young girl reluctantly acknowledged that she felt ill and must rest for a few hours.
Hepsey quietly laid off her bonnet and shawl, called James, and gave him the address of the poor she was going to visit, with directions as to procuring them food, etc., and then devoted herself to her young mistress.
An hour later Marion woke from the heavy sleep into which she had fallen with a shriek of distress. Her eyes were wide open, but she did not recognize the faithful nurse who was bending over her. A physician was instantly summoned, who found her in a high state of mental excitement.
"How long has this been coming on? I ought to have been called earlier," he said, in some irritation.
"She only returned from the country this afternoon," explained Hepsey.