“Don’t be afraid,” said Nan, seriously.
“I wish you would make a friend of Miss Jewett; you will be glad of it as long as you live.”
“I am doing it; but I don’t want you to go away.”
“I shall come back some day, childie.”
Nan moved nearer, still on her knees, drew Tessa’s cheek down to her lips,—her warm, saucy, loving lips,—saying, “My counsellor.”
Dr. Greyson’s house stood opposite. Tessa went to the window to see if the light were still burning in Sue’s chamber; Sue had forgotten to drop the curtains; the room was well-lighted; Sue was standing in the centre of the room holding something in her hand; Tessa saw Dr. Greyson enter and Sue moved away.
She lay in bed wide awake watching the light.
“Good-by, Mystic; you and I will have our talk another day.”
The tears dropped slowly on the pillow.