Caddy put down her little charge, and stood beside her mother, endeavouring to soothe her, whilst unable to restrain her own grief.
"Let us go to him, Esther," said her mother, rising; "I must see him--let us go at once." "We can't, mother; Mr.Walters says it's impossible for us to see him to-day; they don't admit visitors after a certain hour in the morning." "They _must_ admit me: I'll tell them I'm his wife; when they know that, they _can't_ refuse me." Quickly dressing themselves, Esther, Caddy, and their mother were about to start for the hospital, when Mr.Walters entered.
"Where are you all going ?" he asked.
"To the hospital," answered Mrs.Ellis; "I must see my husband." "I have just sent there, Ellen, to make arrangements to hear of him every hour.

You will only have the grief of being refused admission if you go; they're exceedingly strict--no one is admitted to visit a patient after a certain hour; try and compose yourselves; sit down, I want to talk to you for a little while." Mrs.Ellis mechanically obeyed; and on sitting down, little Em crept into her lap, and nestled in her arms.
"Ellen," said Mr.Walters, taking a seat by her; "it's useless to disguise the fact that Ellis is in a precarious situation--how long he may be sick it is impossible to say; as soon as it is practicable, should he get better, we will bring him here.

You remember, Ellen, that years ago, when I was young and poor, Ellis often befriended me--now 'tis my turn.

You must all make up your minds to remain with me--for ever, if you like--for the present, whether you like it or not.

I'm going to be dreadfully obstinate, and have my own way completely about the matter.