over since it had been arranged for the night. Her hand was lying upon
it. She lifted it feebly and stroked my cheek once more. Her lips
murmured something which I could not hear, and then came a deep sigh,
almost a groan. The terror returned when I found she could not speak to
me.

'Shall I go and fetch auntie?' I whispered.

She shook her head feebly, and looked wistfully at me. Her lips moved
again. I guessed that she wanted me to sit beside her. I got a chair,
placed it by the bedside, and sat down. She put out her hand, as if
searching for something. I laid mine in it. She closed her fingers upon
it and seemed satisfied. When I looked again, she was asleep and
breathing quietly. I was afraid to take my hand from hers lest I should
wake her. I laid my head on the side of the bed, and was soon fast
asleep also.

I was awaked by a noise in the room. It was Nannie laying the fire.
When she saw me she gave a cry of terror.

'Hush, Nannie!' I said; 'you will wake grannie:' and as I spoke I rose,
for I found my hand was free.

'Oh, Master Willie!' said Nannie, in a low voice; 'how did you come
here? You sent my heart into my mouth.'

'Swallow it again, Nannie,' I answered, 'and don't tell auntie. I came
to see grannie, and fell asleep. I'm rather cold. I'll go to bed now.
Auntie's not up, is she?