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.