I almost feel lost without her.

It was a good day for me when she threw herself into the work; it makes me regret my dear child less, to feel that Anna sympathises with me so entirely;" and, in spite of himself, Malcolm felt a little touched by these words.
A few weeks later he spoke to Anna; the girl had not recovered her looks, and Nurse Dawson told him privately that she was losing her appetite and getting thin; but Anna's eyes filled with tears at the first words.
"Oh hush, dear Malcolm, please," she said, encircling his wrist with her soft hand; it was a favourite caress with her, and Malcolm used playfully to term it "Anna's handcuff," or the "Sheldon shackles." In spite of their close intimacy as brother and sister, he had never kissed her, but there was entire confidence between them.
"Please, please, Malcolm, do not say any more; it was very wrong of nurse to put these ideas in your head.

You know mother spoke to Dr.
Armstrong, and he is giving me a tonic; he says I must go out more, so mother is trying to spare me all she can." "And the headaches are better ?" Malcolm looked at her quite sternly as he put the question.
"Yes, I think so--I hope so," rather hesitatingly, for Anna was absolutely truthful.

"I still feel rather stupid of an evening; but mother is so good, she lets me go to bed early." She sighed rather heavily.

"I wish I were stronger, Malcolm.