“My poor bairn,” she said, “if you have anything to say to your father, or anything to ask of him, it had better be now.”
Effie gave a quick, startled look.
“Now?” she said. “So soon?”
“Effie, my bairn, for the sake of the rest,” whispered her friend.
In a minute or two she was able to take her old place by the pillow. As she bent over her father, the doctor came in. He stood for a moment looking down on him.
“Speak to him,” he said.
“Father,” said Effie, stooping, with her face close to his. “Father.”
He stirred a little at the sound of her voice, and his fingers wandered aimlessly over the coverlet.
“Is it morning?” he asked.
“Father,” repeated Effie, “Dr Grey is here.”