rushed wildly for water; at
which Bettine also awakened, and shaking with fright, as her first
thought was, that Ernestine was dying. But she was not, for with
moistened lips and dampened brow, they brought a feeble flutter of life
back, and with the first lifting of the eyelids, Olive bent down to lay
her lips to those that tried to speak.

"Not another word for your life's sake, darling. I am here. I am going
to take you home to mama, but you must not speak."

Words cannot describe the incredulous joy and perfect peace that touched
the wan face at the words, nor the bewildering happiness that lighted
the sunken eyes, as the feeble arms tried to clasp themselves about
Olive's neck, but fell weakly down.

Roger found his eyes blinded by tears as he stepped back to get the
wine. "Give her some," he said, handing the glass to Olive, and slipping
his arm under Ernestine's pillow to raise her head slightly, and
Ernestine sipped slowly at the wine held to her lips, never once moving
her eyes from Olive's face, then lay back with that contented, peaceful
look, like some who, from facing despair, desperation, and the bitterest
heart-ache, suddenly find themselves cradled in perfect peace, with no
trouble, no want, no sadness, and too weak to wonder, hold fast their
wild joy and are content.

For a long time it seemed as though Ernestine cared to know nothing,
save that Olive was beside her, held her hand, and bent to kiss her
every few moments; but, after a long time her eyes went to Roger, as
though she had just discovered his presence, and Olive answered the
question in them.

"It is our Cousin Roger, dear, and Uncle Ridley, and Jean will be here
in the morning; can't you go to sleep, so as to be stronger then?"

Ernestine's lips trembled with joy, but she shut her eyes instantly, as
though to win sleep and hasten the morning; but no sleep came, and so
till daylight touched the world, Olive sat and held the hands that
trembled eagerly, as the moments went by. At last, she grew perfectly
quiet, and Olive, knowing she had dropped asleep drew back from the
long-held position that had made every muscle ache.

"Won't you lie down?" whispered Roger. "You look like a ghost. I am
going to sit out in the hall so as to keep things quiet when the
boarders begin to leave their rooms."

"How good you are!" said Olive, looking up at him with a sudden
gratitude, and noting how pale and worn he looked from the long night of
sleep