Was relief really coming at last?
Yes.

Soeur Angelique stood in the door-way.
"Will you excuse me, ladies," she said, in that soft, irresistible voice of hers, as she laid aside bonnet and shawl in a quiet, business-like way.

"I came to relieve Miss Vernor and play nurse for a while, and I think Phebe looks as if she needed a little sleep.

If you will kindly take leave of her, I will darken the room at once." She stood so evidently waiting for them to go, that in a few moments they all found themselves somehow or other outside the door, with Gerald politely escorting them down-stairs, and Olly dancing joyously ahead, crying that Mr.Halloway had sent for him to the rectory.

Left mistress of the situation, Mrs.Whittridge proceeded to draw down the shades, straighten the chairs, smooth the bedclothes and rearrange the pillows, all with the noiseless, graceful movements peculiar to her.