Scarcely dared I answer her; for I feared the next sentence might be rough. "I will try."

     "Would you like to drink, or could you eat anything?"

     "No, thank you, Bessie."

     "Then I think I shall go to bed, for it is past twelve o'clock; but you may call me if you want anything in the night."

     Wonderful civility this! It emboldened me to ask a question.

     "Bessie, what is the matter with me? Am I ill?"

     "You fell sick, I suppose, in the red-room with crying; you'll be better soon, no doubt."

     Bessie went into the housemaid's apartment, which was near. I heard her say--

     "Sarah, come and sleep with me in the nursery; I daren't for my life be alone with that poor child to-night: she might die; it's such a strange thing she should have that fit: I wonder if she saw anything. Missis was rather too hard."