Linnet was clinging to her, or holding her
up. Linnet must be comforted.
"Is somebody--dead?" she asked, her dry lips parting with an effort.
"Yes, dear; it's Morris," said Mrs. Rheid. "Lay her down flat, Linnet.
It's the shock? Hollis, bring some water."
"Oh, no, no," shivered Marjorie, "don't touch me. What shall I say to his
mother? His mother hasn't any one else to care for her. Where is he?
Won't somebody tell me all about it?"
"Oh, dear; I can't," sobbed Mrs. Rheid.
Hollis drew her into a chair and seated himself beside her, keeping her
cold hand in his.
"I will tell you, Marjorie."
But Marjorie did not hear; she only heard, "Good-bye, Marjorie--_dear_."
"Are you listening, Marjorie?"
"Oh, yes."
Linnet stood very white beside her. Mrs. Rheid was weeping softly.
"They were near a ship in distress; the wind was high, and they could not
go to her for many hours; at last Morris went in a boat, with some of the
crew, and helped them off the wreck; he saved them all, but he was hurt
in some way,--Will does not know how; the men tried to tell him, but they
contradicted themselves,--and after getting safe aboard his own ship--do
you understand it all?"
"Yes. Morris got back safe to the _Linnet_, but he was injured--"
"And then taken very ill, so ill that he was delirious. Will did
everything for his comfort that he could do; he was with him night and
day; he lived nine days. But, before he became delirious, he sent his
love to his mother, and he gave Will something to give to you.
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