CHAPTER VI
FOR FATHER'S SAKE
Betty stands gazing at the ambulance, as it passes steadily out of sight, and a feeling of deep loneliness sweeps over her heart. No one loves her, no one understands her as father does, and now he has gone from her.
"Ah! there I am, thinking about myself again—I won't do it!"
She rouses herself with a brave effort, and goes back into the house.
A house full of noise and confusion just now. Mother sobbing loudly in the little sitting-room. Jennie and Pollie, awakened from sleep, shrieking themselves hoarse in their bedroom above. Clara helpless; Bob dazed-looking; Lucy tearful. Only Betty still manages to keep her wits about her.
"Lucy, run upstairs and quiet the children—mother, mother, you mustn't upset yourself so—father will soon be better, I'm sure—such a nice, sweet nurse came to look after him. Come, mother, you're quite tired out; lie down on the sofa, and I'll make you a cup of tea."
"Oh, what shall I do? What shall I do?" moans Mrs. Langdale.
"Father will soon be in less pain, and——"
"But what shall I do? Most likely he'll never be able to walk again. Mr. Duncan will get some one else to collect his rents and look after the houses, and we shall all starve."