Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/47

Rh silence, for she felt no words could comfort the little lad.

“If you only needn’t go,” he said. “It all seems so much easier when you are here. Miss Bessie, I can’t stand it ! What shall I do?”

“Fred, I know it is hard, so very hard. I wish I could stay with you always, if you want me. But I will truly come again in a day or two. We are all so sorry for you, and long to help you.” Then she asked, “May Rob come some day to see you? He is such a good little nurse.”

Fred shook his head.

“Not yet,” said he. “I’d rather not have the boys round just yet. But I mustn’t keep you. Good-by.” And, getting up, he moved a few steps towards the door.

“Don’t be in too much of a hurry, my dear,” said Bess. “I must ring for Mary to bring my cloak. Don’t try to come to the door, you will only tire yourself for nothing.” And, putting him back on the sofa with a gentle force, she kissed him and was gone.

Later, when Bess, her parents, and Rob, who had been prevailed upon to stay, sat at their