I 've been a wicked , selfish woman , and I 'm justly punished . '' It was a humbled Miss Cynthia who met the doctor at the hospital that afternoon . He shook his head at her eager questions . `` It 's a pretty bad case . The boy seems run down every way . No , it is impossible to think of moving him again . Bringing him here last night did him a great deal of harm . Yes , you may see him , but he will not know you , I fear -- he is delirious and raves of his father and California . '' Miss Cynthia followed the doctor down the long ward . When he paused by a cot , she pushed past him . Wilbur lay tossing restlessly on his pillow . He was thin to emaciation , but his cheeks were crimson and his eyes burning bright . Miss Cynthia stooped and took the hot , dry hands in hers . `` Wilbur , '' she sobbed , `` do n't you know me -- Aunt Cynthia ? '' `` You are not my Aunt Cynthia , '' said Wilbur . `` Daddy said Aunt Cynthia was good and kind -- you are a cross , bad woman . I want Daddy . Why does n't he come ? Why does n't he come to little Wilbur ? '' Miss Cynthia got up and faced the doctor .
`` He 's got XXXXX get better , '' she said stubbornly .
Cynthia at by down emaciation in night of on to