behind the counter and went into the back room. She found Evelina
propped upright against the pillows, a flush of agitation on her
cheeks. Ann Eliza pulled up the shawl which had slipped from her
sister's shoulders.

"How long you've been! What's he been saying?"

"Oh, he went long ago--he on'y stopped to give me a
prescription. I was sorting out that tray of buttons. Miss
Mellins's girl got them all mixed up."

She felt Evelina's eyes upon her.

"He must have said something: what was it?"

"Why, he said you'd have to be careful--and stay in bed--and
take this new medicine he's given you."

"Did he say I was going to get well?"

"Why, Evelina!"

"What's the use, Ann Eliza? You can't deceive me. I've just
been up to look at myself in the glass; and I saw plenty of 'em in
the hospital that looked like me. They didn't get well, and I
ain't going to." Her head dropped back. "It don't much matter--
I'm about tired. On'y there's one thing--Ann Eliza--"

The elder sister drew near to the bed.