imploring him to return to his children. Poor girl, to-day's quiet,
after the last evening's bustle, was hard to bear. She had then been
distracted from thought by the necessity of exertion, but it now
repaid itself, and she knew not how to submit to do nothing but wait
and watch.

"No change?" enquired Alan Ernescliffe; looking kindly in her face.

"No," replied she in a low, mournful tone. "She only once said,
thank you."

A voice which she did not expect, asked inquiringly, "Margaret?" and
her heart beat as if it would take away her breath, as she saw her
father's eyes intently fixed on her. "Did you speak of her?" he
repeated.

"Yes, dear papa," said Flora, not losing presence of mind, though in
extreme fear of what the next question might be. "She is quiet and
comfortable, so don't be uneasy, pray."

"Let me hear," he said, and his whole voice and air showed him to be
entirely roused. "There is injury? What is it--"

He continued his inquiries till Flora was obliged fully to explain
her sister's condition, and then he dismayed her by saying he would
get up and go to see her. Much distressed, she begged him not to
think of it, and appealed to Alan, who added his entreaties that he
would at least wait for Mr. Ward; but the doctor would not relinquish
his purpose, and sent her to give notice that he was coming.