"Not so near me!" she said, harshly.
"Why not ?" "Not so near," repeated the sternly resolute voice.

"Wait till you have heard what I have to say." Grace obeyed without a word more.

There was a momentary silence.

A faint flash of light leaped up from the expiring candle, and showed Mercy crouching on the chest, with her elbows on her knees, and her face hidden in her hands.

The next instant the room was buried in obscurity.
As the darkness fell on the two women the nurse spoke..