‘Martin undressed you whilst my sister and I got ready what was necessary for you.’
‘And my clothes—who touched them?’
‘After your friend Martin, only Barbara; she folded them and put them away. Why do you ask?’
Jasper sighed and put his hand to his head. Silence ensued for some time; had not he held his hand to the wound Eve would have supposed he was asleep. Now, all at once, Eve saw the cowslip ball; it was under the table, and with the point of her little foot she could touch it and roll it to her. So she played with the ball, rolling it with her feet, but so lightly that she made no noise.
All at once he looked round at her. Startled, she kicked the cowslip ball away. He turned his head away again.
About five minutes later she was on tiptoe, stealing across the room to where the ball had rolled. She picked it up and laid it on the pillow near Jasper’s face. He opened his eyes. They had been closed.
‘I thought,’ explained Eve, ‘that the scent of the flowers might do you good. They are somewhat bruised and so smell the stronger.’
He half nodded and closed his eyes again.
Presently she plucked timidly at the sheet. As he paid no attention she plucked again. He looked at her. The bright face, like an opening wild rose, was bending over him.
‘Will it disturb you greatly if I ask you a question?’