"Nowhere," said Julia. "I am all the house. Mr. Carlisle went home after breakfast; and mamma and Alfred are gone in the carriage to Brompton; and papa is out somewhere. Are you better, Nellie?"
"I shall never be better!" said Eleanor. She turned and hid her face.
"Oh why, Eleanor? What makes you say that? What is the matter? I knew yesterday you were not happy."
"I am never going to be happy. I hope you will."
"I am happy," said Julia. "And you will be. I told Mr. Rhys you were not happy,—and he said you would be by and by."
"Julia!" said Eleanor raising herself on her elbow and with a colour spreading all over her face,—"don't talk to Mr. Rhys about me or my concerns! What makes you do such a thing?"
"Why I haven't anybody else to talk to," said Julia. "Give me your foot, and I'll put on your stocking. Come! you are going to get up. And besides, he thinks a great deal of you, and we pray for you every day."
"Who?"
"He does, and I. Come!—give me your foot."
"He, and you!" said Eleanor.