Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/146

128 “Now, my hero, beginning with this new day, we will try to live bravely and well, and to make the very best of our lives. And when it is harder than you can bear, come right to me, and we will talk it all over together and see if we can’t make it easier. I don’t like to have you go off by yourself in this way, as you did to-night. Haven’t you been asleep at all?”

“I couldn’t. I heard you come to the door, and I tried to keep still, for fear you’d worry. I’m sorry I disturbed you, but I am so glad you came. You do make things better, somehow!”

“I am so glad,” said Bess; “that is what I am for. But now I want you to stop talking and go to sleep. Do you think you will?”

“I’ll try,” said the child, “but I don’t feel much like it. My head aches a little.”

Bess laid her hand on his throbbing forehead.

“Your head feels so warm,” she said. “You lie down and don’t talk any more, and I will bathe it a little. Perhaps that will make you sleepy.”

She turned and shook up the pillows, and the child lay back with a grateful sigh, as she gently