'
'They would all clap their hands if I carried Dolly off.'
'Yes, and that is one reason I don't want to give her up; it seems so
sad to send Maurice's child away leaving such an impression. One thing
I am. thankful for, that it will be all over before grandmamma and
Bessie Merrifield come.'
At that moment there was a knock at the door, and a small figure
appeared in a scarlet robe, bare feet, and dishevelled hair.
'Mysie, dear child! What's the matter? who is ill?'
'Oh, please come, mamma, Dolly is choking and crying in such a dreadful
way, and I can't stop her.'
'I give up, Lily. This is mother-work,' said Miss Mohun.
Hurrying upstairs, Lady Merrifield found very distressing sounds
issuing from Dolores's room; sobs, not loud, but almost strangled into
a perfect agony of choking down by the resolute instinct, for it was
scarcely will.
'My dear, my dear, don't stop it!' she exclaimed, lifting up the girl
in her arms. 'Let it out; cry freely; never mind. She will be better
soon, Mysie dear. Only get me a glass of water, and find a fresh
handkerchief. There, there, that's right!' as Dolores let herself
lean on the kind breast, and conscious that the utmost effects of the
disturbance had come, allowed her long-drawn sobs to come freely, and
moaned as they shook her whole frame, though without screaming. Her
aunt propped her up on her own bosom, parted back her hair, kissed her,
and saying she was getting better, sent Mysie back to her bed.
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