Yet she could not imagine why. She seemed to have absolutely nothing to say to
this sweet, smiling, angelic old lady who was patting her hand so kindly.
“Come and see me soon again, dear Janet,” said Mrs. Douglas lovingly, when
they left. “You don’t come half often enough. But then I suppose John will be
bringing you here to stay all the time one of these days.” Anne, happening to
glance at John Douglas, as his mother spoke, gave a positive start of dismay. He
looked as a tortured man might look when his tormentors gave the rack the last
turn of possible endurance. She felt sure he must be ill and hurried poor blushing
Janet away.
“Isn’t old Mrs. Douglas a sweet woman?” asked Janet, as they went down the
road.
“M—m,” answered Anne absently. She was wondering why John Douglas
had looked so.
“She’s been a terrible sufferer,” said Janet feelingly. “She takes terrible spells.
It keeps John all worried up. He’s scared to leave home for fear his mother will
take a spell and nobody there but the hired girl.”