"I shall see the Queen, and then I shall get well."
And that gentleman determined that if he could manage it her wish should
be granted.
Accordingly, when the Queen had visited the "Grocers Company's Wing,"
and had named the new wards after herself and the Princess Beatrice,
when she had read the address presented to her by the governors of the
Hospital, had declared the new wing open, and visited the Gloucester
Ward, then Flo's little story was told to her, and she at once said she
would gratify the child's desire.
Contrary to the routine of the day, she would pay the Buxton Ward a
visit.
Flo, quite sure that it was God's wish that the great Queen of England
should come to see her, was prepared, and lay in her pretty white cot,
her chestnut hair tied back with blue ribbons, a slight flush on her
pale cheeks, her brown eyes very bright.
It was a fair little picture, fair even to the eyes that had doubtless
looked on most of the loveliest things of earth--for on the beautiful
face of the dying child was printed the seal of God's own peace.
"My darling," said the Queen to the little girl, "I hope you will be a
little better now."
But Queen Victoria knew, and the nurses knew, and the doctors knew, and
all knew, but little Flo Darrell herself, that on earth the child would
never be well again.
They knew that the little pilgrim from earth to heaven, had nearly
completed her journey, that already her feet--though she herself knew
not of it--were in the waters of Jordan, and soon she would pass from
all mortal sight, through the gates into the City.