Pryor, she read it and right
afterwards kind of fainted away like. An' when she come to, she
(Sarah) had said, "Don't you want the doctor?" An' Mrs. Richie said
"No." "But Maggie was scared, Dr. King; and she just sent David for
you."
"Quite right," said William King, "Let Mrs. Richie know I am here."
He followed the woman to Helena's door, and heard the smothered
dissenting murmur within; but before Sarah, evidently cowed, could
give him Mrs. Richie's message that she was much obliged, but did not
wish--William entered the room. She was lying with her face hidden in
her pillows; one soft braid fell across her shoulder, then sagged down
and lay along the sheet, crumpled and wrinkled with a restless night.
That braid, with its tendrils of little loose locks, was a curious
appeal. She did not turn as he sat down beside her, and he had to lean
over to touch her wrist with his quiet fingers.
"I did not send for you," she said in a muffled voice; "there is
nothing the matter."
"You haven't had any breakfast," said William King. "Sarah, bring Mrs.
Richie some coffee."
"I don't want--"
"You must have something to eat."
Helena drew a long, quivering breath; "I wish you would go away. There
is nothing the matter with me."
"I can't go until you feel better, Mrs. Richie."
She was silent. Then she turned a little, gathering up the two long
braids so that they fell on each side of her neck and down across her
breast; their soft darkness made the pallor of her face more marked.
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