"Nobody now. Mother's lying down. You know she watched again last night, and grandma is as kind and pleasant as possible. I never knew anybody so changed. Come, do go up with me."
"What do you suppose she wants me for?"
"For nothing particular. She asked whether you were here yet, and then said she would like to see you."
Helen rose without a word and followed her friend to the chamber.
The old woman fixed her sharp eyes a moment upon Helen's face, then smiled as she held out her hand.
"I'm sorry you've been so sick," faltered the young girl in a scarcely articulate tone.
In truth she was greatly shocked. She could scarcely breathe. The sight of that haggard face, and those sunken eyes, so affected her, that she longed to run from the room.
Still holding her hand, the old woman said, "Jennie tells me you read beautifully; will you read a chapter for me?"
"In a minute, I will." Poor girl! she felt it absolutely necessary for her to breathe the air, she was so stifled. She ran down the stairs, and did not stop until she had reached the arbor.
"Oh! how sick she does look!" she cried out, "What if she should die? I never, never will give way to my temper again! But I must go back; I can't stay here. I must go and read to her."