By and by I crept away to my sister’s room, unable longer to bear the awe and sorrow in my heart.
“Bessie!” I called, in a low whisper.
“Ay, Davy?”
“Ay, I’m wakeful.”
I closed the door after me—then went swiftly to her bedside, treading with great caution.
“Listenin’?” I asked.
“T’ the doctor,” she answered, “walkin’ the floor.”
“Is you afraid?” I whispered.