"Pray let her rest," said his companion; "but if she should wake
tell her that Dorrie is more comfortable; that I shall remain with
her all night and do not wish to be disturbed. And you, Dr.
Stanley"--with gentle authority--"you must try to rest also; you
may safely trust the child to God, and with me as His sentinel,
for she is doing well. But first, if you will slip over to the
house and ask Katherine to send my night-wrapper I can make myself
more comfortable; just drop it outside the door, then go to bed
and 'be not faithless but believing,' Good-night."
She softly closed the door, and the man went obediently to do her
bidding; while, "after the storm there was a great calm" in his
heart.
CHAPTER XX.
INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS.
Phillip Stanley sped across the street to do his errand and
inquired for Katherine.
She heard his voice and went directly to him when he told her what
her mother had just said about Dorrie, and the light that leaped
into her great brown eyes inspired him with fresh hope.
"Ah! mamma is holding her in the 'secret place,' and we know she
is safe," she said, in a reverent tone.
She quickly brought the wrapper; then, with a brief handclasp, he
bade her "good-night" and retraced his steps.
Before going upstairs he sought the kitchen, where the cook was
lingering, thinking something might be needed, and ordered a
dainty lunch prepared; then, taking both tray and garment, he left
them at Dorrie's door and passed on to the next room to find his
sister just waking.
"Phillip!" she cried, starting up, "I have been asleep!"
"Yes, Emelie, for more than three hours, I am glad to say."
"Oh, how inconsiderate of me! And--Dorrie?" she questioned, in a
quavering voice.
"Is more comfortable. She has been awake twice, and had two
glasses of milk," replied her brother, as he laid a gentle, but
restraining hand upon her shoulder, for she was on the point of
rising.
She regarded him wonderingly.
"Phillip! I can't believe it! I must go to her," she said, almost
breathless.
"No; Mrs. Minturn is going to remain all night. She says she is
not to be disturbed, and we must respect her wishes," said Dr.
Stanley, authoritatively. "She will call you if you are needed,
but says she wants us both to rest, if possible. Now lie down
again, dear, and I will sit in the Morris chair in the hall, to be
near if you wish to speak to me."
Mrs. Seabrook sat irresolute a moment, her eyes anxious and
yearning.
"Emelie, you have voluntarily given Dorrie into God's hands; now
prove that you trust Him," her companion gravely admonished.
She looked up at him and smiled.
"Yes, I will; and I believe that 'His hand is not shortened that
it cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear,'" she
replied, and immediately lay back upon her pillow.
Her brother covered her with a shawl, then left her with a
thankful heart, for he knew she was sadly in need of rest.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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