It was the same with Richard.

She seemed to know when he quitted her side, and her eyes watched the door eagerly till he came back to her again.

At the doctor's suggestion, all were at last banished from the sick-room except Aunt Barbara, and Richard, and Nick Bottom, as she persisted in calling poor Andy, who was terribly perplexed to know whether he was complimented or not, and who eventually took to studying Shakspere to find out who Bottom was.

Those were trying days to Richard, who rarely left Ethie's bedside, except when it was absolutely necessary.

She was more quiet with him, and would sometimes sleep for hours upon his arm, with one hand clasped in Aunt Barbara's, and the other held by Andy.