"I beg your pardon, madam," said the nurse gently, "you are placing me in a very awkward position, and I grieve to oppose you in your wishes, but I must obey my instruction from Mr Neil Elthorne. They were that I was to particularly guard against the patient's being disturbed when he was asleep." "And very proper instructions too; but say Mr Elthorne, Nurse Elisia, and not `the patient.' This is not a hospital." The nurse bowed. "I am sure my nephew did not intend that such instructions as these were to apply to me." "To everybody, madam. Sleep is of such vital importance to the--Mr Elthorne in his present state, and he has so much difficulty in obtaining rest, especially at night, that even an hour's natural sleep is most desirable." "Well, of course, I understand all that," said Aunt Anne, "and I shall take care that I do not make a sound." She stepped forward, but the nurse did not stir. "Will you have the goodness to move," said Aunt Anne, in the most frigid of tones. "Pray forgive me, madam. I must carry out my orders." "I have told you, my good woman, that they do not apply to me. Will you be good enough to stand aside?" A faint colour appeared in the nurse's cheeks, but she did not move. "Did you hear what I said?" cried Aunt Anne haughtily. "Yes, madam, and again I ask your pardon," said the nurse gently. "Excuse me, pray, but you are placing me in a very painful position." "Then stand aside," said Aunt Anne, who was growing very red in the face, consequent on being opposed. "Do you hear me, woman?" "Yes, madam, but I must obey Mr Elthorne. A nurse dare not depart from the doctor's instructions. Even a slight lapse might mean a serious injury to the patient in her charge." "I will take all the responsibility," said Aunt Anne haughtily. "Have the goodness to allow me to pass." Nurse Elisia's eyes dropped, and there was a faint twitching at the corners of her eyes, but she did not stir. "Are you aware that the mistress of this household is speaking to you?" "Hush, madam, pray!" "Oh, it is insufferable," cried Aunt Anne, whose anger was rising fast, when she saw a quick, eager look of satisfaction animate the pale set face before her, and at that moment a familiar voice said in a low tone: "What is the matter, Aunt?" "Ah, my dear," she cried; "you are there. I am glad. I declare it is insufferable. I was going in to sit by your father and talk to him." "I told Mrs Barnett, sir, that Mr Elthorne was asleep." "Yes, my good woman," said Aunt Anne, "and I told you I should go in and sit with him till he awoke. And, then, really it is insufferable for a hired servant to take so much upon herself." "As what, Aunt?" said Neil, in a low, stern voice, "as to refuse to allow you to go in?" "Yes, my dear. I can put up with a great deal, but I think it is quite time that the nurse knew that this is not a hospital ward, and that she is not mistress here."