m, with as little
consciousness of time as he had himself, looking neither forward nor
backward, only to the present, to give him drink, bathe his face and
hands, arrange his pillows, or read or repeat some soothing verse. It
always was a surprise when meal times summoned her to attend to Philip,
when she was asked for the letters for the post, when evening twilight
gathered in, or when she had to leave the night-watch to Arnaud, and go
to bed in the adjoining room.

This was a great trial, but he would not allow her to sit up; and her
own sense showed her that if this was to be a long illness, it would
not do to waste her strength. She knew he was quiet at night, and her
trustful temper so calmed and supported her, that she was able to sleep,
and thus was not as liable to be overworked as might have been feared,
and as Philip thought she must be.

She always appeared in his room with her sweet face mournful and
anxious, but never ruffled, or with any air of haste or discomfiture,
desirous as she was to return to her husband; for, though he frequently
sent her to take care of herself or of Philip, she knew that while she
was away he always grew more restless and uncomfortable, and his look of
relief at her re-entrance said as much to her as a hundred complaints of
her absence would have done.

Philip was in the meantime sorely tried by being forced to be entirely
inactive and dependent, while he saw Amabel in such need of assistance;
and so far from being able to requite Guy's care, he could only look on
himself as the cause of their distress, and an addition to it--a burthen
instead of a help. If he had been told a little while ago what would be
the present state of things, he would almost have laughed the speaker
to scorn. He would never have thought a child as competent as Amy to the
sole management of two sick persons, and he not able either to advise
or cheer her. Yet he could not see anything went wrong that depended on
her. His comforts were so cared for, that he was often sorry she should
have troubled herself about them; and though he could have little of her
company, he never was allowed to feel himself deserted. Anne, Arnaud,
the old Italian nurse, or Amy herself, were easily summoned, and gave
him full care and attention.

He was, however, necessarily a good deal alone; and though his cousin's
books were at his disposal, eyes and head were too weak for reading, and
he was left a prey to his own thoughts.