"
Mr. Benson might have said she had never cared to hear them
before, and had rather avoided the subject; but he was too happy
to see this awakening of interest in his sister's warm heart to
say anything in the least reproachful. He told her the story as
well as he could, and, as he felt it deeply, he told it with
heart's eloquence; and as he ended, and looked at her, there were
tears in the eyes of both.
"And what does the doctor say?" asked she, after a pause.
"He insists upon quiet; he orders medicines and strong broth. I
cannot tell you all; Mrs. Hughes can. She has been so truly good.
'Doing good, hoping for nothing again.'"
"She looks very sweet and gentle. I shall sit up to night, and
watch her myself; and I shall send you and Mrs. Hughes early to
bed, for you have both a worn look about you I don't like. Are
you sure the effect of that fall has gone off? Do you feel
anything of it in your back still? After all, I owe her something
for turning back to your help. Are you sure she was going to
drown herself?"
"I cannot be sure, for I have not questioned her. She has not
been in a state to be questioned; but I have no doubt whatever
about it. But you must not think of sitting up after your
journey, Faith."
"Answer me, Thurstan. Do you feel any bad effect from that fall?"
"No, hardly any. Don't sit up, Faith, to-night!"
"Thurstan, it's no use talking, for I shall; and, if you go on
opposing me, I dare say I shall attack your back, and, put a
blister on it.
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