It was easy to defer any explanation just yet, on account of Marian's weakness.
The exertion of telling the brief story of her sufferings had left her prostrate; and she was fain to obey her friendly nurse.
"We will talk about everything, and arrange everything, by-and-by, dear Mrs.Holbrook," Ellen said resolutely; "but for the present you _must_ rest, and you must take everything that I bring you, and be very good." And with that she kissed and left her, to perform another and less agreeable duty--the duty of attendance by her husband's sick-bed..