Before the end her mind rallied.

She surprised the doctor and the nurse by begging them gently to leave the room.

When they had gone she looked at Lady Lundie, and woke, as it seemed, to consciousness from a dream.
"Blanche," she said, "you will take care of my child ?" "She shall be _my_ child, Anne, when you are gone." The dying woman paused, and thought for a little.

A sudden trembling seized her.
"Keep it a secret!" she said.

"I am afraid for my child." "Afraid?
After what I have promised you ?" She solemnly repeated the words, "I am afraid for my child." "Why ?" "My Anne is my second self--isn't she ?" "Yes." "She is as fond of your child as I was of you ?" "Yes." "She is not called by her father's name--she is called by mine.