"Very poorly," was the answer.

     "Is it her Mr. Bates has been to see?"

     "Yes."

     "And what does he say about her?"

     "He says she'll not be here long."

     This phrase, uttered in my hearing yesterday, would have only conveyed the notion that she was about to be removed to Northumberland, to her own home. I should not have suspected that it meant she was dying; but I knew instantly now! It opened clear on my comprehension that Helen Burns was numbering her last days in this world, and that she was going to be taken to the region of spirits, if such region there were. I experienced a shock of horror, then a strong thrill of grief, then a desire--a necessity to see her; and I asked in what room she lay.

     "She is in Miss Temple's room," said the nurse.

     "May I go up and speak to her?"