Page:Gissing - The Unclassed, vol. I, 1884.djvu/47

 o’ fancies. Keep a bit quiet now, and don’t put yourself out so.”

“What are we to do? I’ve only got a few shillings—"

“Well, you’ll have money again some time, I suppose. You don’t suppose I’ll turn you out in the streets? Write to Fred on Monday, and he’ll send you something.”

They talked till Lotty exhausted herself again, then Ida was allowed to re-enter the room. Mrs. Ledward kept coming and going till her own bed-time, giving what help and comfort she could in her hard, half-indifferent way. Another night passed, and in the morning Lotty seemed a little better. Her throat was not so painful, but she breathed with difficulty, and had a cough. Ida sat holding her mother’s hand. It was a sunny morning, and the bells of neighbouring churches began to ring out clearly on the frosty air.

“Ida,” said the sick woman, raising herself suddenly, “get me some note-paper and an envelope out of the box; and go and borrow pen and ink, there’s a good child.”