“I feel as though we are in a measure responsible for the sad accident, and I shall want to know if there are any serious results.” Ere the young lady could give an answer Imelda could no longer resist the impulse to speak what was in her mind. Laying her hand upon that of the beautiful stranger.
“I beg your pardon,” she said, “but will you kindly tell me with whom I have the honor of speaking? I do so much want to know your name.” The great dark eyes sparkled as she answered:
“The favor you ask is but a small one indeed, and easily granted. My name is Edith Wallace.”
“Edith Wallace!” echoed Imelda. “Are you a sister of Wilbur Wallace?”
For a moment a look of surprise rested on the face of Miss Wallace; then,
“Is it possible! can it be Imelda Ellwood?”
“I am Imelda Ellwood.” In a moment the hands of both fair girls were joined in a firm clasp and, as if drawn together by a strange magnetism, their lips also met.
“Wilbur has told me all about you, but as he did not send me your address, my sister and I had to wait patiently for you to come to us. And this, I suppose,” turning again to Alice, “is the lady with whom you make your home?” An introduction followed and instead of dismissing the two, Miss Wallace now insisted that they should remain awhile longer. “That is,” she added, “if you can pardon my seeming neglect, as my attention will have to be a divided one. My sister Hilda is with the patient and the doctor at present and to them I must soon return.”
“Take me with you,” pleaded Imelda. “I have had a great deal of experience with the sick and maybe shall be able to be of some help to you. Besides, I feel curious to see this girl. I feel somewhat guilty as to the cause of her suffering, although we were the unconscious and unwilling cause. Yet I feel we owe her more than the wornout phrase, ‘I am sorry!’”
Protesting yet consenting, Edith after having again excused herself to Alice, who was by this time reclining in a large easy chair, and having supplied the little ones with a charming picture book, she led the way. Leading her guest up a softly carpeted flight of stairs she noiselessly opened the door into a large airy chamber furnished in light refreshing tints. Snow-white curtains draped the windows while the bright light was toned to a mellow glow by wine-colored blinds.