Noémi bore his crossness patiently. And when Michael fell asleep again, she ran out to Dodi. The two women replaced each other, so that as long as Michael slept, Therese sat by him, and when he awoke she gave Noémi a sign to leave her sick child and take her place by Michael's bed. And this went on through the long night. Noémi passed constantly from one sick-bed to the other, and she had to keep excuses always ready for her husband if he should ask where she had been.
The child grew worse. Therese could do nothing, and Noémi dared not weep for fear of Michael seeing her tearful eyes and asking the reason. The next morning Timar felt easier, and wished for some soup. Noémi hastened out to fetch it, as it was kept ready. The invalid swallowed it, and said he felt the better for it. Noémi seemed delighted at the good news.
"Well, and what is Dodi doing?" asked Michael.
Noémi trembled lest he should see the throbs of her heart at the question.
"He is asleep," she replied, gently.
"Asleep? But why asleep now? He is not ill?"
"Oh, no; he is all right."
"And why do you not bring him to me when he is awake?"
"Because then you are asleep."
"That is true; but when we are both awake together, you must bring him in and let me see him."