Then she went before him, yet even then she went with a moderated step, and stood by her father's couch at last silent and breathless.

Breathless with the very effort she made to keep silent and quiet.

With excitement too; for Mr.
Randolph was looking feeble and pale, more than Daisy had ever seen him, and it frightened her.

He was not in bed but on a sofa and as Daisy came to his side he put out his arm and drew his little daughter close to him.

Without a word at first and Daisy stooped her lips to his, and then stood hiding her face on his shoulder; perfectly quiet, though trembling with contained emotion, and not daring to say anything lest she should say too much.
"Daisy," said her father,--"Daisy,--do you know I have been ill ?" There was a little, little tone of surprise or disappointment in the voice.