At sunset of the third day, while attempting to change her position, hoping to make her more comfortable, she suddenly lapsed into a semi-conscious state from which they could not arouse her. When this condition had lasted for upwards of half an hour Mrs. Seabrook turned despairingly to her brother.
"Can you do nothing, Phillip?" she asked.
"I am afraid not, Emelie, except to continue giving the stimulants to try to keep the spark of life a little longer," he returned with white lips.
His sister caught her breath sharply.
"Then—will you give her up to—Mrs. Minturn?" she cried, hoarsely.
He bent a look of surprised inquiry upon her.
"I am going to try it," she went on, still in that unnatural tone. "I am going to try to save my child, and—I do not care who says 'no.'"
Phillip Stanley went to her, took her white face between his hands and kissed her tenderly, as he said:
"Very well, Emelie, I will go at once for her, and, from my soul,
I am glad that you have taken this stand."
He hurried from the house and went with all speed to the Minturn mansion. He found Mrs. Minturn on the veranda, Katherine and her guests having gone for a walk.