After the usual nursing, and she had been bolstered up with huge cushions, she was able to talk, and again became buoyant.
Nicodemus, Mary and John each volunteered to sit by her side, but she chose John, saying: "Aunt Mary, you must rest or we shall be compelled to procure an ambulance for you; and you, Nicodemus, look as pale as a ghost; you go and get a little rest also, for tomorrow will be an eventful day. As for you, John, I want you to prop yourself up and hold my hands all night, then I will think we are children again."
After an hour's rest she opened wide her large, hazel eyes and laughingly said, "Tell me, John, exactly what you were thinking about."
John hesitated.
"Spit it out, John; if it's funny all the better, for all the sadness about this scene is that you must stay to fight the world after I have gone home."
"Well, Lena, I was thinking about the first time we met."
"Yes, John, so was I, we were twelve years old; I know exactly what you want to tell; it's about my refusal before your proposal; now go ahead."
"You remember," began John seriously, "that we first met at the yearly fish-fry which was always on the south shore of Galilee. Oh, Magdalene, you tell it; I cannot."
"Go right on," she said, her eyes sparkling with delight.