Amy went out and closed the door behind her, and looked with unmoved eyes on Frances' flushed and anxious face.
"How is he? May I go in?" she asked, eagerly.
"Never, with my permission," was the chilling reply.
"Only for five minutes; I am not afraid of the fever, and my looking at him can do him no harm. I will promise not to stay longer than that."
"No. You shall not go in for half a minute, even."
"You cannot be so cruel," said Frances; "you cannot tell how frightened and anxious I am. Oh! do let me see him."
"I will not," said Amy, angrily.
"Cruel, hard-hearted mother," cried Frances. "I know he has asked for me. I know he has called for me!"
"I thank God he has not," replied Amy, "for that would break my heart."
"Then he will ask for me; and if he does, you will send for me, won't you?"