Katy shared in this feeling of relief.  She did not like Miss Jane; it was pleasant not to have to see her or hear of her.  But as day after day passed, and still she continued ill, Katy’s conscience began to prick.  One night she lay awake a long time, and heard Miss Jane coughing violently.  Katy feared she was very sick, and wondered who took care of her all night and all day.  None of the girls went near her.  The servants were always busy.  And Mrs. Nipson, who did not love Miss Jane, was busy too.

In the morning, while studying and practising, Katy caught herself thinking over this question.  At last she asked Miss Marsh,—­

“How is Miss Jane to-day?”

“About the same.  She is not dangerously ill, the doctor says; but she coughs a great deal, and has some fever.”

“Is anybody sitting with her?”

“Oh, no! there’s no need of any one.  Susan answers the bell, and she has her medicine on the table within reach.”

It sounded forlorn enough.  Katy had lived in a sick-room so long herself that she knew just how dreary it is for an invalid to be left alone with “medicine within reach,” and some one to answer a bell.  She began to feel sorry for Miss Jane, and almost without intending it went down the entry, and tapped at her door.  The “Come in!” sounded very faint; and Miss Jane as she lay in bed looked weak and dismal, and quite unlike the sharp, terrible person whom the girls feared so much.  She was amazed at the sight of Katy, and made a feeble attempt to hold up her head and speak as usual.

“What is it, Miss Carr?”

“I only came to see how you are,” said Katy, abashed at her own daring, “You coughed so much last night that I was afraid you were worse.  Isn’t there something I could do for you?”

“Thank you,” said Miss Jane, “you are very kind.”  Think of Miss Jane’s thanking anybody, and calling anybody kind!

“I should be very glad.  Isn’t there any thing?” repeated Katy, encouraged.

“Well, I don’t know:  you might put another stick of wood on the fire,” said Miss Jane, in an ungracious tone.  Katy did so; and seeing that the iron cup on top of the stove was empty, she poured some water into it.  Then she took a look about the room.  Books and papers were scattered over the table; clean clothes from the wash lay on the chairs; nothing was in its place; and Katy, who knew how particular Miss Jane was on the subject of order, guessed at the discomfort which this untidy state of affairs must have caused her.

“Wouldn’t you like to have me put these away?” she asked, touching the pile of clothes.

Miss Jane sighed impatiently, but she did not say no; so Katy, taking silence for consent, opened the drawers, and laid the clothes inside, guessing at the right places with a sort of instinct, and making as little noise and bustle as possible.  Next she moved quietly to the table, where she sorted and arranged the papers, piled up the books, and put the pens and pencils in a small tray which stood there for the purpose.  Lastly she began to dust the table with her pocket handkerchief, which proceeding roused Miss Jane at once.