At last Dexie broke the silence by asking anxiously:
"Do you think papa is any worse than usual to-night, Mr. Traverse?"
"Well, I hope not, Miss Dexie. Does he take those bad turns very often?"
and his eyes were full of pity as he spoke.
"Not often at this hour; the turn of the night is always his worst time.
Oh! I hope it will not be severe to-night. He seems so much weaker than
usual that I--I'm afraid for him," she said brokenly.
"Let me stay with you to-night, Dexie; I cannot go away and leave you with
such a dread on your heart," and he came near to her side. "I can help you
if he is worse," he added, gently, "so let me share your watch to-night;
indeed I will not leave you like this," for his tender, sympathetic words
brought the tears, and she hid her face in her handkerchief.
Presently she grew calmer, but her voice was very low as she answered:
"You are very kind, Mr. Traverse, but I shall not need your help. I can
call Mrs. Jarvis if he should be worse. I thank you for your kind offer,
but your assistance will not be necessary."
"That is not kind of you, Dexie," said Guy reproachfully.
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