I followed Mrs. Ellis up stairs, and into a chamber, where the sick boy lay. I was not surprised at the fear she expressed, when I saw Edward's pale, sunken face, and hollow, almost expressionless eyes. He scarcely noticed my entrance.
"Poor boy!" sighed his mother. "He has had a very sick spell."
My liveliest interest was at once awakened.
"He has been sick, indeed!" I replied, as I laid my hand upon his white forehead.
I found his skin cold and damp. The fever had nearly burned out the vital energy of his system.
"Do you give him much nourishment?"
"He takes a little barley-water."
"Has not the doctor ordered wine?"
"Yes, ma'am," replied Mrs. Ellis, but she spoke with an air of hesitation. "He says a spoonful of good wine, three or four times a day, would be very good for him."
"And you have not given him any?"