My Lord Dictates a Letter and Receives a Visitor
My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.
“Who—are—you?” he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.
The little lady jumped, and came across to him.
“Praise be to God!” she ejaculated. “Likewise, bless the boy! The fever is passed.” She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his wondering eyes.
“As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!”
It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.