She bade the old man enter noiselessly, and herself went about on tip-toe, speaking only in a hoarse whisper.
The visitor had just reached the bedside, and was gazing with deep, compassionate interest at the unconscious face, when Jane, as if startled, half rose and cried painfully, 'Mr.Kirkwood! oh, Mr.
Kirkwood!' and she stretched her hand out, appearing to believe that the friend she called upon was near her.
'Who is that ?' inquired the old man, turning to his companion.
'Only a friend of ours,' answered Mrs.Peckover, herself puzzled and uneasy.
Again the sick girl called 'Mr.Kirkwood!' but without other words.
Mrs.Peckover urged the danger of this excitement, and speedily led the way downstairs..