ess feverish, and her
breathing is easier. You have done wonders already."

"What happy news for her poor mother! I am so glad that I can tell her
that the child is really better," said Dorothy. "I want to induce her to
give the little creature altogether into my care for the present, and
not to come near her again unless a change for the worse should set in.
I hear Mrs. Harvey stirring now in the next room, so she may be in at
any moment. May I speak to her, doctor? Do you give me leave to tell her
that her child is on the mend, and that you would rather she kept out of
the room?"

"I would do anything in the world to keep her out of the room," said the
doctor. "Yes, I give you full leave to say what you please. You would
have more influence with her than I should have. I am almost as great a
stranger to her as you are. Use your strongest influence, nurse--do what
you can. I believe in you. I am sure she will do the same."

"I'll go into the day nursery and wash my hands before I see Mrs.
Harvey," said Dorothy.

She was scarcely a moment away. In a couple of minutes she was standing
by Mrs. Harvey's bed.

Exhausted by her days and nights of watching, the tired-out mother had
slept all through the long hours of the day. She opened her eyes now
with a start. Healing sleep had done wonders for her--the dewy look of
youth had come back to her face; her beautiful blue eyes were fixed for
a moment on Dorothy with a puzzled expression of non-recognition.

"Where am I? What has happened?" she asked in a startled voice.

"You have just had a lovely sleep," said Dorothy. "You'll be all the
better for it."

"And who are you? I cannot quite collect my thoughts--I know something
has happened. Who are you? I cannot remember you."

"I am the nurse who is taking care of your dear little girl. She is
better."

"Oh, yes, now I remember," said Mrs. Harvey. She sat up in bed and
clasped her hands tightly.

"It was wrong of me to sleep so long," she said, "but I won't be a moment
getting dressed; I must go back to the child at once."

"Will you come to your room?" said Dorothy. "You can change your dress
there. I know Mr. Harvey is most anxious that you should dine with him
this evening."

"Dine with my husband!--have dinner? But Freda is ill; she is at death's
door."

"She is ill undoubtedly, but she is better; she is on the mend. I am
taking good care of her. Don't you trust me?"

"Oh, yes, I trust you; but I must go