While she drank the wine and finished the biscuits, he found busy occupation on the other side of the room, polishing the window with his silk pocket-handkerchief; making a queer humming noise all the time, like a bee buzzing up the pane.

He seemed to have forgotten her presence; but, just as she put down the empty glass, he turned and, walking straight across the room, laid his hand upon her shoulder.
"Now, Nurse," he said, "follow me upstairs, and, just at first, speak as little as possible.

Remember, every fresh voice intruding into the still depths of that utter blackness, causes an agony of bewilderment and disquietude to the patient.

Speak little and speak low, and may God Almighty give you tact and wisdom." There was a dignity of conscious knowledge and power in the small quaint figure which preceded Jane up the staircase.

As she followed, she became aware that her spirit leaned on his and felt sustained and strengthened.