Nothing more could be done than was done for the sufferer. Hope saw
her, at Mr Rowland's desire, and said this. He left directions with
Margaret, and then declined staying where his presence could be of no
use, and caused much annoyance. Mrs Enderby was sinking rapidly. The
probability was, that a few hours would end the struggle. Mrs Rowland
was much alarmed and shocked. She went and came between the
drawing-room and her mother's chamber, but talked of the claims of her
children at such a time, and persuaded herself that her duty lay chiefly
with them. Others wanted no persuasion about the matter. They were too
glad to have her dispose herself where she would be out of her mother's
way. Mrs Enderby looked round now and then, and seemed as if on the
point of asking for her, but that her courage failed. At last, about
eight in the evening, when Mrs Rowland had come in softly, and Phoebe
had met her at the door, to say something very unceremonious, Mrs
Enderby's voice was heard.

"Phoebe, I hope you are not preventing any person from coming in. I
should wish to see my daughter. Priscilla, my dear, let me see you.
Come to me, my dear."

Mrs Rowland's face was very pale, and her brow told of a dreadful
headache. There was a dark expression in her countenance, but the
traces of irritability were gone. She was subdued for the hour.

"My dear daughter," said Mrs Enderby, "I may not be able at another
time to thank you as I should like for all the care you have taken of
me:--nor can I now do it as I could wish: but I thank you, my love."

Mrs Rowland involuntarily cast a glance at her brother and Margaret, to
see how they took this: but their eyes were fixed on her mother.

"And I can only say," continued Mrs Enderby, "that I am aware that you
must have had many things to bear from me. I must have been much in
your way, and often--"

Margaret and Philip implored her to say nothing of this kind; they could
not bear it from one who was all patience herself, and gave no cause for
forbearance in others. Mrs Rowland did not speak--perhaps because she
could not.

"Well, well; I will not dwell upon these things. You are all very kind.
I only wanted to say that I was sensible of--of many things.
Priscilla--"

"Mother!" said she, starting.

"This dear young friend of ours,--she calls herself my daughter, bless
her!--is to be your sister, my love. Philip has been telling me--. Let
me see--. Give me the plea