"Who is that?" inquired Adeline, in her hollow voice, her face being turned to the wall. She detected, probably, the difference of touch, for in this the sick are very quick.
"It is I--Mary. Nurse has gone down to her dinner."
She took Miss Carr's hand, and held it for some time in silence. "I have been wanting--all day--to speak to you--Mary--but I--have waited." She could say now but few words consecutively.
"What is it you would say, dearest Adeline?"
"Who is in the room?"
"Susanne. No one else."
"Tell her to go. I want you alone."
"She does not understand our language."
"Alone, alone," repeated Adeline. "Susanne."
The lady's-maid heard the call, and went to the bedside.