“Father, may I go and see her . . .?” “The doctor says that nobody had better see her to-night.” “Yes, Eddie, we must obey the doctor’s orders, dear,” said Aunt Laura. “But you’ve seen her . . . you saw her this morning, didn’t you?” “That was different,” said Aunt Laura. “I was up all night with her.” “It isn’t different, is it, father? Aunt Laura’s nothing to her. . . .” “Eddie, Eddie. . . .” Aunt Laura protested. “Father, if she asked for me she ought to see me. . .” “She’s so ill, Eddie. I’m afraid she wouldn’t know you.” “Oh, I’m sure she would. . . .” “Edwin, you mustn’t worry your father; there’s a good boy.” “Oh, Aunt Laura . . .” Then fiercely, “She’s any mother. . . .” Edwin’s father sighed and looked away. Aunt Laura, with a business-like change of tone which implied that Edwin’s question was disposed of, whispered to his father, “Is she still sleeping?” “Yes. . . . The doctor says it isn’t really sleep, it’s coma.” Coma . . . a gloomy and terrible word! What did it mean? Edwin remembered the woman in the train. “Most of them pass away in their sleep like.” “I think I’ll go and lie down for an hour,” said his father. “Yes, do, John,” said Aunt Laura encouragingly. “You need it. I’ll go upstairs myself to be handy if the nurse wants anything.” This was the first that Edwin had heard of a nurse. The idea inspired him with awe. His father sighed and turned to go. “Father . . . can’t I go up, only for a minute?” Aunt Laura, who had taken upon herself the role of protectress and manager of the distressed household, intervened, “Eddie, you mustn’t worry your father. We’re all in trouble, and you mustn’t be a nuisance.” His father went, without speaking. “Well, when can I see her?” Edwin demanded. “To-morrow. . . . You must be patient like the rest of us. Now I must go upstairs. You’ll be quiet, won’t you? Mrs. Barrow has your bedroom ready, and if you take your bag over she’ll give you some tea. She promised to look after you. She was most kind. Or, if you like, and will keep very quiet, you can stay here and read.” “I didn’t come home to sit down here and read. Why did they send for me to come if they won’t let me see her? I want her. . . .”