"Mrs. Plunkett in, Marigold? I have come with my brother to pay her a little visit. Say only that," added Mrs. Heavitree softly.
Marigold obeyed with a grateful look, and the four were soon chatting pleasantly. Mrs. Plunkett was somewhat flustered, but also pleased. The doctor at first talked to Marigold; then he made his way to a seat by Mrs. Plunkett, and drew her into conversation.
"Marigold, I want to speak to you in another room," said Mrs. Heavitree, rising. "My brother will wait here."
Dr. Wilton made a gesture of assent, and Mrs. Plunkett showed no disapproval. She did not know him yet to be a doctor; but his kind manner won confidence immediately, and already she had begun to talk almost freely about herself and Marigold.
"That is well," Mrs. Heavitree said, when they were in the next room. "My brother will manage all the rest."
The interview was a long one; much longer than Marigold would have expected. Mrs. Plunkett's raised tones came from time to time through the door; while Dr. Wilton's low-voiced answers were inaudible.
At length, after what seemed to Marigold an interminable time, the door opened; Dr. Wilton could be heard to say "Good-bye," and with a quiet step, he entered.
"Well?" Mrs. Heavitree asked.
"Not so bad as you have all feared," he said. "It is—not cancer."
"Oh!" Marigold clasped her hands.