"I have no friend," Elsie said all at once. "Nobody loves me but one old woman--old Sophy!"
"I am your friend, Elsie. Tell me what I can do to render your life happier."
"Love me!" said Elsie Venner.
Mr. Bernard turned pale.
"Elsie," he said presently, "I do love you, as a sister with sorrows of her own--as one whom I would save at the risk of my happiness and life. Give me your hand, dear Elsie, and trust me that I will be as true a friend to you as if we were children of the same mother!"
Elsie gave him her hand mechanically, and he pressed it gently. They walked almost in silence the rest of the way.
It was all over with poor Elsie. She went at once to her own room when they reached the mansion-house, and never left it.
They sent for the old doctor, and he ordered some remedies, saying he would call the next day, hoping to find her better. But the next day came, and the next, and still Elsie was on her bed--feverish, restless, and silent.
"Send me Helen Darley," she said at last, on the fourth day.
And Helen came. Dudley Venner followed her into the room.