Presently she turned away with an air of disappointment. "It isn't as large as my great dolly," she said.
Maria, who had charge of the infant, now returned from the next room, and began to welcome Nelly home again. She courtesied to Mrs. Gray, though the lady could see that she had never forgiven her for not allowing her to remain with the little girl.
"How is Mrs. Nelson?" asked Mrs. Gray.
"Very poorly as yet, ma'am. She is in the next room."
"Why, mamma, are you sick?" inquired Nelly, running into the chamber, and climbing on the side of the bed.
"Take care, Nelly," cried her aunt. "Don't jar the bed so; your mamma has been very ill."
"I'm sorry," said the little girl, affectionately, and she kissed her mother's pale hand. "May I show Frankie my baby now?" she asked, turning to her aunt.
"If you will go very softly, dear. Remember, noise will make your mamma worse." Then Mrs. Gray went into the next room, and took off her bonnet and shawl. After this, she returned to the nursery, where the baby was still sleeping.
Nelly and her cousin were just going out, each walking on tip-toe, so as not to hurt mamma.
"I never saw a child so much changed," said the old lady who took care of Mrs. Nelson. "I was here two years ago to nurse her mother; and she was the torment of the house."