It was a second surprise.
"Oh! Would they like me to come?"
"It was Miss Clifford's suggestion. I believe from what she said to me she took a liking to you when she saw you here the other day."
The detached tone in which he made this observation implied that such a thing as taking a liking to a person did certainly exist and therefore must be scientifically recognised, incredible as it might appear.
The image of the simple, friendly eyed, north-country woman flashed across Esther's mental vision, obscuring the less comprehensible figure of her sister-in-law. She thought for a moment.
"Why, yes, if you like, I'll be glad to come," she agreed.
The doctor raised a corrective hand. "It's if you like," he amended. "I can get another nurse from the British Nursing Home in an hour's time, it is all the same to me. If you come, however, they will pay you at the rate usual in your country—more than an English nurse gets, as you know."
"I wasn't thinking of the money," declared Esther hastily and with truth. "I was only wondering … but it doesn't matter. I'll come. When do you want me?"
"At once. How soon can you be ready?"
"Oh, I can be ready in an hour or so. I've only to pack my things and settle my hotel bill."