But there was no time to heed her, for that instant, bubbling over the
boy's white lips, Christian saw a red drop or two; they made her own
heart stand still.

It so happened that during her stay with the Fergusons one of the little
boys had broken his collar-bone; a slight accident in itself, had not the
bone pierced the lung, causing a long and severe illness. Quick as
lightning Christian recollected all that had not been done, and all that
the doctor said they ought to have done, in the case of little Jamie. It
was useless speaking out what she feared; indeed, one look at Dr.
Grey's terrified face showed her it was impossible; so she merely laid
Arthur down very gently from her arms, persuaded him to let her place
him on his back along the sofa, and wiped the few drops from his
mouth.

"Do not be frightened, papa"--and she made an effort at a smile--"as I
said, I think I know what is amiss with him."

"I am used to children. The doctor will be here soon. Suppose you
were to go down stairs and see if he is coming,"

Dr. Grey obeyed mechanically. When he came back he found Letitia
and the nurse sent away. Christian hardly knew how she managed it,
but she did do it, for it was necessary; Arthur must be kept quiet. She
was now sitting in the silent, half-dark room, with the boy lying quite
still and patient now, his little hot hand clinging fast to hers.

"How content he seems with you! He does not want Phillis, I think."