She was actually physically tired, as she said, and her head did ache with a dull heavy pain.

Mrs.Costello arranged the pillows, drew warm coverings over her, and left her without one further question; for she was completely persuaded of the truth of her own surmise, and feared to endanger Maurice's hopes and her own favourite plan by an injudicious word.

She did not go far away, however, and Lucia, still conscious of her nearness, dared not move or sigh.

With her face pressed close to the pillow, she could let the hot tears which seemed to scald her eyes drop from under the half-closed lids; but after a little while, the warmth and stillness and her fatigue began to have their effect.

The tears ceased to drop, the one hand which had grasped the edge of the covering relaxed, and she dropped asleep.
By-and-by Mrs.Costello came in softly, and stood looking at her.