CHAPTER IX 100
another flight of steps ; these I mounted , and then just opposite to me was Miss Temple ' s room . A light shone through the keyhole and from under the door ; a profound stillness pervaded the vicinity . Coming near , I found the door slightly ajar ; probably to admit some fresh air into the close abode of sickness . Indisposed to hesitate , and full of impatient impulses -- soul and senses quivering with keen throes -- I put it back and looked in . My eye sought Helen , and feared to find death .
Close by Miss Temple ' s bed , and half covered with its white curtains , there stood a little crib . I saw the outline of a form under the clothes , but the face was hid by the hangings : the nurse I had spoken to in the garden sat in an easy-chair asleep ; an unsnuffed candle burnt dimly on the table . Miss Temple was not to be seen : I knew afterwards that she had been called to a delirious patient in the fever-room . I advanced ; then paused by the crib side : my hand was on the curtain , but I preferred speaking before I withdrew it . I still recoiled at the dread of seeing a corpse .
" Helen !" I whispered softly , " are you awake ?"
She stirred herself , put back the curtain , and I saw her face , pale , wasted , but quite composed : she looked so little changed that my fear was instantly dissipated .
" Can it be you , Jane ?" she asked , in her own gentle voice .
" Oh !" I thought , " she is not going to die ; they are mistaken : she could not speak and look so calmly if she were ."
I got on to her crib and kissed her : her forehead was cold , and her cheek both cold and thin , and so were her hand and wrist ; but she smiled as of old .
" Why are you come here , Jane ? It is past eleven o ' clock : I heard it strike some minutes since ."