Mrs. Mandeville never knew afterwards how long she read. She became entranced, absorbed. When she turned to look at him, he was asleep. She quietly rose, and with one whispered word asked Mr. Higgs to follow her. Withers was still waiting without. "Take Mr. Higgs to the housekeeper’s room, Withers, and ask her to give him a substantial tea. Then send word to the stables--when he is ready--I wish Parker to drive him to his home in my basket chaise. It is only a step from the ground. You will easily get in and out. I am deeply indebted to you for coming this afternoon, Mr. Higgs. My dear boy needed sleep so much. It was vitally necessary for him. He was so sure he would sleep, if I could read _Science and Health_ to him, and I did not know how to procure a copy of the book." "May I leave this with you, ma’am?" "If you will be so kind for a day or two." "Isn’t Love beautiful!" the old man said to himself, repeating Carol’s words, as he followed the maid to the housekeeper’s room. CHAPTER XV.--LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS REACH COUSIN ALICIA. Carol’s sleep lasted two hours. Then he awoke, with something of his old bright smile. Mrs. Mandeville was still watching beside him. "Auntie, I have been asleep." "Yes, darling, I know. I have been watching you. It was a beautiful sleep. I thought as I sat beside you of the words, ’He giveth His beloved sleep.’ I am sure you are better for it." "Yes, Auntie, it was lovely, and my back doesn’t hurt me quite so much. But I cannot move my legs yet." "Do not try, dear." "Did I dream it, Auntie, or were you reading _Science and Health_ to me?" "It was not a dream, dear. Mr. Higgs came and brought the book, and he has left it with me." "I remember now, Auntie. Was it not nice of him to come? Has any message come yet from Cousin Alicia?" "No, love; I cannot understand why the letters and telegrams are not forwarded to her." "There is some reason, I know, Auntie. We shall understand by and by." She gave him some soda and milk, which was all the doctor would let him have. "I should like to see Rosebud, Auntie. Couldn’t she come for a little while?" Mrs. Mandeville had already admitted one visitor against orders. Dare she act on her own responsibility a second time? She began to realize how much the doctor’s fears of developments, which might or might not follow, were influencing her, though, happily, she was not able to influence Carol. He had no fear. "I think it must be almost Rosebud’s bedtime, dear; but she shall come for a few minutes." After sending a message to the nursery for Rosebud, her eye fell on the medicine bottle. "Oh, Carol, I didn’t give you your medicine this afternoon. It was just time for it when Mr. Higgs came, and afterwards you were asleep. It is time again for it now. I see it must be fresh medicine; it is a different color."