Two of the
maids were ill, and the whole care of Emily and Jane devolved upon
her, with only the assistance of Esther.
Emily was not very seriously ill, but Jane's fever was very high, and
Lily thought that her father was more anxious than he chose to
appear. Of Jane's own thoughts little could be guessed; she was
often delirious, and at all times speaking was so painful that she
said as little as possible.
Lily's troubles seemed at their height one Sunday afternoon, while
her father was at church. She had been reading the Psalms and
Lessons to Emily, and she then rose to return to Jane.
'Do not go,' entreated Emily.
'I will send Esther.'
'Esther is of no use.'
'And therefore I do not like to leave her so long alone with Jane.
Pray spare me a little smile.'
'Then come back soon.'
Lily was glad to escape with no more objections. She found Jane
complaining of thirst, but to swallow gave her great pain, and she
required so much attendance for some little time, that Emily's bell
was twice rung before Esther could be spared to go to her.
She soon came back, saying, 'Miss Mohun wants you directly, Miss
Lilias.'
'Tell her I will come presently,' said Lily, who had one hand pressed
on Jane's burning temples, while the other was sprinkling her with
ether.
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