don't you really think it would be well for me to go up and see her presently? I would not disturb her in the least."
"Thanks, no. I should say it would be better not. She does not like being roused in any way. She is so silent; in fact," with a flash of inspiration, "she has completely lost her voice. Then the shrinking—I mean, of course, as you say, the sinking—is so painful."
"Oh, very well," said Mrs. Wilcox offended, "I do not want to press the matter. But I think she had better have something to eat. What shall it be? A glass of milk is nothing."
"She cares for nothing else."
"But don't you think she ought to have some beef-tea and a little dry toast? That cannot possibly harm her."
"Very well. Anything you like," said Prudence desperately, for she felt she could stand no more questioning, and gladly made her escape to her own room under cover of Mrs. Wilcox's directions to the cook on behalf of the supposed invalid.
Mary, the housemaid, presently brought up a tray and tried the handle of Augusta's door, only to find it locked. Prudence
