“Oh, Diana,” she whispered, sinking back upon the pillow, “that would be such a happy thing; God grant that it may be so!”
“You say that she is prompt in her ways; she may not have waited to write, knowing that she could reach here as quickly as could a letter,” she said comfortingly.
“Yes, Diana,” smiled Mrs. Ashley, “that is the reason she does not write. She is coming! Dear heavenly Father,” she continued, putting her small white hand upon the head of Hilda, “grant my heartfelt petition that this loved child be a consistent Christian, and may her home and that of Sarah Warfield be one and the same.”
Cheered by this hope and trust, Mrs. Ashley partook of the toast and tea with relish, and laid her head again upon the pillow with the smiling, happy expression of one who had never known pain or trial, causing Diana to again wonder that the week’s illness had made no change in her beauty.
“I feel so much better, Diana,” she said cheerfully. “Do you and Hilda go and take your tea together; do not mind leaving me alone. I have pleasant thoughts to keep me company. I shall see my sister—Sarah—Warfield—in the—morning.”
The kitchen where the supper was prepared looked very bright and cheery to the little girl and the light tea biscuits, sweet butter and honey were delicious to her taste. She enjoyed the meal, then fell asleep in the chair where Diana let her remain until all was put in order for the night, then prepared her for rest and laid her beside Mrs. Ashley, who appeared to be in a sweet sleep.
Her own cot was in an opposite corner of the room, and after fastening the outer door she lighted the night lamp, shading it from the sick bed, then, as was her custom, lay down without removing her clothing that she might be ready at any minute to wait upon the invalid.
She had, she thought, scarcely slept, when she was waked by a rap upon the outer door of the kitchen, and arose quickly that Mrs. Ashley might not be disturbed by a second knock.
What was her astonishment on opening the door to see the eastern horizon tinged with a ruddy glow, betokening sunrise!
“How is Mrs. Ashley this morning?” asked Dr. Lattinger as he stepped over the sill.