She looked disturbed and conscience-sticken.
'Oh!' she cried to him, under her breath; 'have we been too long ?' And hurrying into the inner room she left him waiting.
Inside was a mournful sight.

The two men and Mrs.Irwin stood close round the settle, but as she came nearer, Catherine saw Mary Backhouse lying panting on her pillows, her breath coming in loud gasps, her dress and all the coverings of the bed showing signs of disorder and confusion, her black hair tossed about her.
'It's bin awfa' work sence you left, miss,' whispered Mrs.Irwin to Catherine excitedly, as she joined them.

'She thowt she heerd soombody fleytin' and callin'-- it was t' wind came skirlin' round t' place, an' she aw' but thrown hirsel' oot 'o' t' bed, an' aa shooted for Tim, and they came, and they and I--it's bin as much as we could a' du to hod 'er.' 'Luke! Steady!' exclaimed Jim.

'She'll try it again.' For the hands were moving restlessly from side to side, and the face was working again.

There was one more desperate effort to rise, which the two men checked--gently enough, but effectually--and then the exhaustion seemed complete.