She looked miserably at her brother and asked for her beads. He put them across her hand, and then, bending over her chair, he said a "Hail Mary" and an "Our Father," in which she faintly joined.
"And Alan—will Father Leadham come to-morrow?"
"Without fail."
* * * * *
A little later Laura was in her old room with Sister Rosa. The doctor had paid his visit. But for the moment the collapse of the afternoon had been arrested; Mrs. Fountain was in no urgent danger.
"Now then," said the nurse cheerily, when Miss Fountain had been supplied with all necessaries for sleep, "let us look at that arm, please."
Laura turned in surprise.
"Mr. Helbeck tells me you wrenched your wrist on the drive. He thought you would perhaps allow me to treat it."
Laura submitted. It was indeed nearly helpless and much swollen, though she had been hardly conscious of it since the little accident happened. The brisk, black-eyed Sister had soon put a comforting bandage round it, chattering all the time of Mrs. Fountain and the ups and downs of the illness.
"She missed you very much after you went yesterday. But now, I suppose, you will stay? It won't be long, poor lady!"