As they were sitting down to it, Mrs. Sykes's little girl appeared at the door.
"Please'm, a gentleman would like to see you."
Jean's white cheeks flushed crimson.
"If it is Charlie, I can't see him, Barbara. I don't feel well enough. Go down to him and tell him so. Don't let him come up. Be firm, for he is very obstinate."
"Yes, dear; don't be afraid. I shall not let any one come near you."
She remained away a long time. Jean began to wonder when she was coming back. But she came in at last, and her voice was very quiet and gentle as she said—
"It was not Mr. Oxton, dear, but Dr. Fergusson. I think if you could make up your mind to see him it would be a good thing, for he could tell you as a friend about your hand. It is not healing as fast as it should, and he would like to see it. He has come for the express purpose."
Jean was weak, and easily upset. She trembled all over.
"I can't see him, Barbara—not as a doctor—I couldn't; don't ask me to."
"Very well, dear. I won't ask him to look at your hand. See him as a friend. We will give him a cup of tea, and then you will be able to hear about little Sunnie."