"Yes, Father; but...."
"Would your husband be displeased if he knew that you came?"
"Yes, Father. He hates the Catholic religion."
"Then do not come, my child. But remember that I am here if you need me. My prayers will follow you. I will have a Novena for you. Be of good courage."
Sophy gazed at him. The tears gathered again. She could not speak. Going out silently, she got into the musty cab.
She remembered nothing of the drive home. Her eyes were turned inward.
XV
Dr. Carfew came at one o'clock. He was a tall, sinewy man, with light blue, prominent eyes very piercing, and thick yellow-grey curls that stuck out below the brim of his hat as though supporting it. He put a few brief yet searching questions to Sophy, then asked to see the patient. He did not wish Sophy to be present at the examination. Gaynor remained with him at his request. After half an hour he came downstairs. Sophy sat waiting for him, her hands wrung together again. She had put back her rings.
She paled when she saw him enter, and her eyes darkened. He drew up a chair without ceremony, and sat down facing her.