"That is right, you good old mammy. Now close the blinds, and then
you may go and tell Jim to saddle a horse and ride after the doctor
immediately."

Chloe left the room, and Elsie brought another pillow for her father,
smoothed his hair, bathed his forehead, and then, drawing a low chair to
the side of the sofa, sat down and fanned him gently and regularly.

"Why!" said he, in a gratified tone, "you are as nice a little nurse as
anybody need ask for; you move about so gently, and seem to know just the
right thing to do. How did you learn?"

"I have had bad headaches so often myself, papa, that I have found out
what one wants at such times," replied the little girl, coloring with
pleasure.

He closed his eyes and seemed to be sleeping, and Elsie almost held her
breath, lest she should disturb him. But presently the dinner-bell rang,
and, opening them again, he said, "Go down, my daughter, and get your
dinner."

"I am not hungry, papa," she replied. "Please let me stay and wait on
you. Won't you have something to eat?"

"No, my dear, I have no desire for food; and you see, Chloe is coming
to take care of me; so I wish you to go down at once," he said in his
decided tone, and Elsie instantly rose to obey.

"You may come back if you choose when you have eaten your dinner," he
added kindly. "I love to have you here."